nJ^^^:p ty^,//'./'^/ 



Ji:: r 



■: *► J- . ♦^ 



^cU oJ^S. .||v/. Vcv^ci. IS". KiD. 



THE 



CHRISTIAN'S LEGACY 

WITH AN APPENDIX, 



CONTAINING A 



COMPENDIUM OF THE HOLY BIBLE 



WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, &lc. &lc. 



DESIGNED FOR MAKING THE READING AND STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRTPTCRES 
MORE EASY ; ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO ARE YOUNG IN YEARS, 



Bv WILLIAM JACKSON. 



" So they roail in <ho Iwok in ilip Inw or( Jmi ilidiinctly, and g^ave tlic sense, and caused ihera lo 
undcruUind llie readin;?." Nehemiah viii. 8. 



PROVIDENCE: 

PUBLISH i: I) \\\ THL AUTHOR, 

Corner of IJrook ami ShcUloii Slrccls. 

IdlL 



:b^ 



sii 



i3 




3 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the 3'ear 18-il, by 

William Jackson, 
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Rhode-Island. 



<£:■"% 



/y 



PRESS OF 
BENJAMIN F. MOORE, 

19 Market-street, Providence, R. I, 



PREFACE. 



The Bible, after the strictest researches of an en- 
lightened and inquiring age. is allowed by the wise, 
judicious, and thinking part of mankind, who are best 
acquainted with it, to be the only book in the world that 
can make men truly wise unto salvation. Hence, in 
different periods, various attempts have been made to 
elucidate the Scriptures ; sometimes by classical and 
critical disquisitions, or by illustrations of ancient manners 
and customs ; at others by extensive and voluminous 
commentaries, which can neither be procured nor read 
by a very great majority of the people ; but more fre- 
quently by sermons, homilies, pamphlets, and tracts. 
And that many of those publications possess great merit, 
the author of this volume is ready to admit, as it is very 
remote from his desire to establish the credit of his own 
work by depreciating the productions of others ; but it 
would require a greater acutcness of discernment, and a 
more extensive knowledge of men and things, than he 
gives himself the credit of possessing, to decide which of 
those modes has been the most successful in making' 
manifest the unsearchable riches of Christ. 

Our blessed Redeemer, who best knew the most pro- 
fitable method of reading the Scriptures, has directed 
us to search them for a knowledge of his character and 
ofllces : John v. 39. Every hopeful mean ought, ther-^- 
fore, to be used for assisting Christians to reap all the 
benefit from the Holy Scriptures they are calculated to 
afford ; and any attempt, if well executed, must jirove 
of real service to the community ; and should the attempt 
fail, the undertaker cannot fail to enjoy the pleasurable 
satisfaction of knowing, that, ^' to do good, and to com- 
municate, " he has done what he could ; while the in- 
genuous part of mankind will make allowances the most 
favorable*, on account of the goodness of the action. Un- 
der the influence of this sentiment, the writer of the fol- 
lowing pages has wcivd in prcsiMiling them to llu* public 
eye ; while his liumbUi design has hern to establish the 
faith, promote the comfort, and influence the practice, of 
the weak and feeble of Christ's flock. 



ADDRESS, 



TO ALL WHO LOVE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, OF EVERY 
NAME AND PLACE. 



Beloved Brethren : — 

I choose to dedicate this little book to you, know- 
ing that the promises of the God of truth are made unto 
you, in Christ Jesus ; whom the Holy Spirit hath sealed, 
and given an earnest in your hearts as security for the 
fulfilment of them : 2 Cor. i. 20 — 22. And you, being 
taught of God, alone understand the things of God : 1 
Cor. ii. 14. 

The BIBLE might fitly be called diBooTc of Promises ; 
but in order to assist you in finding a 'promise suited to 
your case, I have selected three hundred of those 
gracious assurances, and have made a few plain, practi- 
cal remarks and observations on each of them ; and have 
referred you to many hundreds more of other promises, 
and portions of Scripture, illustrative of those remarks 
and observations ; so that, in a good degree, it will an- 
swer the end of a Concordance, Each page is taken up 
with one promise ; and you will find, alternately, one 
taken from the Old and another from the New Testa- 
ment ; for the purpose of enabling you, at once opening 
the book, to have two promises before you applied to 
your case. You will find at the beginning of the book, 
an alphabetical index ; and by looking at which you will 
be able to find, with ease, any promise you may desire : 
and at the end of the book, you have an index to all the 
promises treated of in the first three hundred pages. 

I have also added an Appendix, containing some 
general remarks on the several parts of the Bible ; de- 
signed especially for the young ; and in which, I humbly 
hope, you will find much to assist you in reading, and 
understanding that best of all books, the Bible. It is 
intended to make the reading of the Scriptures easy to 
those who are not already well acquainted with them. 
And to accomplish which, I have, throughout the whole, 
availed myself of such helps as were within my reach ; 
while the Bible has been both my fe^^book and my 
^e^^book. And that the great head of the Church may 
graciously accept, and bless this humble offering, is the 
fervent prayer of Your soul's servant, W. J. 



A GENERAL INDEX 



OF THE PROMISES TREATED ON. 

Promises. 
Access to God, of free 
Adoption, of . .... 

Afflictions, of sanctified 
Angels, the ministry of . . . 

Antichrist, tlie destruction of 
Backsliders, lo . . 

Benediction, the .... 

Blessings, temporal in general, of 
Blessing on all that a good man has, of a 
Blessing on the children of the good, of a 
Blessing on the families of the good, of a 
Care, of God's .... 
Charitable, to the 
Child-bearing, of support in 
Christ's care over the church . 
Church, duration of the 
Church, enlargement of the 
Church, glory of the . 
Church, peace of the 
Church, of the security of the 
Church, comfort of the 
Company, to keeping good . 
Conscience, peace of 
Contentment, to . 
Death, deliverance from . 
Death, support in ... 

Delight and joy in God, of 
Desire of grace, to . . . 

Devil, victory over the 
Direction, of ... . 

Discourse, ability for good 
Enemies, deliverance from . 
Enemies of the Church, destruction 
Enjoyment of God, of the . 
Eternal joys of heaven 
Evil, preservation from 
Faith in Christ, to . . . 

Famine?, deliverance from 
Fatherless and Widow, to the . 
Fear of (iod, to the 

Food, of 

FruitfulnesH, of . 

Cod, to the love of . 

God will not forsake his people, that 

Grace iVom (yhrist, of all , 

Grace, of converting 

Grace, increase of . 

Grace to mortify sin, of 

Grace to persevere;, of 

Grace of Repentance, of the 



of 



Page. 

. 98, 99 

94—97 

134—137 

164, 165 

298, 299 

88,89 

310 

9—15 

. 34, 35 

36, 37 

. 38, 39 

148, 149 

. 256, 257 

56,57 

. 158, 159 

300, 301 

282—285 

286, 287 

. 2i;6, 297 

294, 295 

. 170, 171 

240, 241 

. 168, 169 

268, 269 

. 76, 77 

176, 177 

. 174, 175 

230, 231 

. 116, 117 

30, 31 

. 124, 125 

70, 71 

. 298, 299 

194, 195 

186—195 

40, 41 

196—199 

(}6, 67 

(12, 63 

220, 22 J 

Hi, 17 

128, 129 

210, 211 

i:)0, 151 

ir>i, ir>5 

102, 103 
i:?o, 131 
no, MI 

132, 133 
104, 105 



VI 



A GENERAL INDEX. 



Promises. 
Grace, sanctifying, of . . . 

Grave, of deliverance from the . 
Guidance Divine, of ... 

Happiness immediately after death, of 
Heaven, of glory in . 
Heaven, of happiness in 
Heaven, tlie Kingdom of . 
Heaven, pleasure and joy in, of . 
Heavenly inheritance, of a 
Hearing and reading the word, to 
Help, of God's .... 

Honor, of . 

Hope, of . . . . 
Hoping in God, to . . * 
Humble, to the .... 

Injuries, to forgiving of 
Interest in God as our God, of an 
Jews, conversion and restoration of th 
Justification, of .... 

Kings and priests unto God, of . 
Knowledge of God and Christ, to the 
Knowledge, of the increase of . 
Life, of long . . . . 

Love and Unity, to . 
Love of Christ, to the 
Love of God, an interest in the . 
Means of Grace, of the 
Meek, to the .... 
Merciful, to the 
Prlercy in Christ, of . 
Mercy of God, of an interest in the 
Ministers, to faithful . 
Ministers, to them that hearken to . 
Ministers, to supporting of God's 
Mourners, to the contrite and . 
Obedience, to ... . 

Obej'ing Parents, to .... 
Old Age, of support in 
Oppression, of deliverance from 
Ordinances, of a blessing upon the 
Pardon of sin, of ... . 

Parents, to obedience to 
Patience, lo . . . . . 

Peace, of . 

Peace, love, and unity, of 
Peace-makers, to the . 
Perseverance, to ... . 

Plenty, of 

Poor and helpless, to the . 

Prayer, to . 

Prayer, of the Spirit's help in . 

Presence of God, of the 

Prisoner and Captive, to the 

Promises, that God will perform all his 

Purity, to . . . 

Purity and righteousness, of 



Page. 
. 100, lot 

178, 179 
. 122, 123 

1S0_183 
. 190, 191 

186, 187 
. ]C2, 193 

188, 189 

186— J 95 

23^, 235 

. 146, 147 

28, ^ 

. 172, 173 

216, 217 
. 27•^, 273 

262, 263 

, 138, 139 

302—305 

. 78—81 

166, 167 
. 232, 2'33 

288, 289 
. 20, 21 

252. 253 
. 212, 213 

142, 143 
. 126, 127 

270, 271 
. 260, 261 

152, 153 
. 144, 155 

244—249 
. 250, 251 

258, 259 
. 274, 275 

206, 207 

. 242, 243 

54,55 

. 74, 75 

108, 109 
. 82—87 

242, 243 
. 278, 279 

. 26,27 
. 292, 293 

S54, 255 
. 280, 281 

. 32, 33 

. 60, 61 

224- -227 

. 162, 163 

140,141 
. 64, 65 

306—309 
, 264, 265 

2C0, 291 



CONTENTS OF THE APPENDIX C03IPEXD1UM. 



Vll 



Promises. ^^^c. 

Raiment, of . Id, 19 

Redemption in Christ, of . ..... 156, 157 

Repentance, of the grace of .... . 104, 105 

Repentance, to 202, 203 

Reproach, of deliverance from ..... 72, 73 

Resurrection, of a glorious ..... 184, 185 

Safety, of 22—25 

Salvation through Christ, of 90—93 

Seeking God, to 22<8, 229 

Servants, to faithful 244, 245 

Sickness, of deliverance from ..... 50, 51 

Sickness, of support under . . . . . . 52,53 

Sin, to confession of ...... . 204, 205 

Sin, of grace to mortify ....... 110, 111 

Sincerity and Uprightness, to 208, 209 

Spirit, of the [loly ....... 160,161 

Stranger, to the ........ 58, 59 

Strength and Courage, of 118, 119 

Strength in time of affliction, of . . . . . 52, 53 

Suhnnssitm and Patience, to ..... 278, 279 

Suffering for righteousness' sake, to .... 276, 277 

Talents, to improving our ...... 266, 267 

Teaching, of Divine 106, 107 

Temptation, of grace against ..... 112,113 

Tem[)t;ition, to resisting 218, 219 

Tongue, to the government of the .... 238, 239 

Troubles, of deliverance from, ...... 46 — 49 

Troubles, of support under, ...... 42 — 45 

Trusting in God, to 214, 215 

War, of deliverance from . . . . . . 68, 69 

Watchfulness, to 222, 223 

Widow and Fatherless, to the 62, 63 

Wisdom, of 120,121 

Won], to loving of the ....... 236, 237 

World, of victory over the ..... 114,115 



CONTENTS OF THE APPENDIX. 



The moaning of the word Bible 

Divisions of the Hible, 

Table of books, chapters, verses, Asc. 



nil 

312 
313 



A C0iMPENDIU3I 



OfGonrsis ... 

Of Exodus 

Of Fievitij-us and Ninphcrs 

Of Deuteronomy and Joshua 

Of Judges and Kuth 

Of 1 Samuel and 2 Samutd . 

Of I Kings and 2 Kings . 

(^)f 1 (vhr«»ni('les and 2 (./lironiclcs 

Of E/ra and NelnMuiah 

Ofl'Niher 

or Job 

Of Psalms .... 



314— 31G 
31(5 
317 
3kS 
319 
320 
. 321 
32:3 
. 323 
321 
325 
32G 



Vlll COMPENDIUJif. 

Fage, 
Of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes . . . . . . 328 

Of Solomon's Song 329 

Of Isaiah 330 

Of Jeremiah and Lamentations ...... 331 

OfEzekiel .332 

Of Daniel and Hosea ..... ^ . . 333 

Of Joel 334 

Of Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah ...... 335 

Of Micah and Nahum 336 

Of Hubakkuk, Zeplianiah, and Haggai ..... 337 

Of Zechariah and xMalachi 338 

The word Testament 338 

The word Gospel ........ 339 

Of Matthew 340 

Of Mark and Luke 341 

Of John 342 

The Example of Christ . 343 

Of the Acts of the Apostles 343 

Of the Epistles 344 

Of Romans, and 1 Corinthians ...... 345 

Of 2 Corinthians ........ 346 

OfGalatians 347 

Of Ephesians and Philippians ...... 348 

Of Colossians and 1 Thessalonians . . _ . . . 349 

Of 2 Thessalonians and 1 Timothy 350 

Of 2 Timothy 351 

Of Titus and*Philenion 352 

Of Hebrews . . .... .. 35S 

Of James 354 

Of 1 Peter and 2 Peter ....... 355 

Of 1 John and 2 John 356 

Of 3 John and Jude 357 

Of Revelation ........ 358 

The Character of the first Christians . . . 359, 360 

The Miracles of Christ 361, 3(^ 

The Parables of Christ 362,363 

The Remarkabie Discourses of Christ ..... 364 

Prophecies w^ieh their fulfilment .... 365, 366 

The Figurative language of the Bible , . . 366—368 

The Symbolical language of the Bible . . . 368—384 

The Sects mentioned in the Scripture . . . 385 — 387 

On Scriptural Difficulties, 388, 389 

Supposed fate of the Evangelists and Apostles . . . 390 
An Index of the Proper names in the Old and New Testa- 
ments , 393—416 

The Jewish Offerings, .417,418 

Au Index for the texts of Scripture . . ., . 419^ 420 



PART !• 



BLESSINGS PROMISED TO THE OBEDIENT, 



CHAPTER I. 



PROMISES OF TEMPORAL BLESSINGS : 



IN GENERAL. 



*' If ye be willing and obedient, yc shall cat the good of the land." 
Isaiah i. 19. 

This precious promise was first made to God's ancient 
Israel, and holds equally good to all the Israel of God in 
every age of the world. The Lord had rejected their 
services on account of their sins ; still he does not reject 
them ; but calls upon them to cease to do evil, and learn 
to do well, that it might be well with them : Ezek. xviii. 
21 — 24. How kiiul and gracious their insulted Lord 
is toward them 1 Here is no penance imposed, no extra 
burdens for them to bear, on account of ihtMr base in- 
gratitude and rebellion ; no, they are only recjuired to give 
up that which was the caus(» of all their troubles: viz. 
their sins. And this is all God requires at the hand of 
the most abandoned among men, before he can accept 
their services. 

Observe, 1st. He does not say, If you be perfect 
in your obedience, but, if you be tciUinghj so; '^ for if 
2 



13 OF TEMPORAL BLESSINGS IN GENERAL* 

there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to 
that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not : " 
2. Cor. x^iii. 12. We have only to make ourselves clean 
by reforming om^ lives, and then God will take care that 
we have the benefit of it, and lead comfortable lives : 
Ver. 16. Only live right, and you will assuredly find^ 
that nothing can go, nor come wrong. 

2d. See the encouragem.ent given to well-doing : Be 
but willing, and obedient, and " Ye shall eat the good 
of the lanciy The land here spoken of was the land 
promised them : and you shall have all the bles.'tiags of 
the new covenant, the heavenly land of Canaan promised 
you, and eat of the good of that land. 

3d. None but the willing and obedient, can ever eat^ 
so as to enjoy, the good of the land : for though they 
may live in a good land, guilt embitters all they eat ; so 
that they have not the comfort of it ; but where guilt is 
removed, every creature of God is good : 1 Tim. iv 4, 
Be not discouraged : your weakness can be no hinder- 
ance to God's loving-kindness : if you have but a w^illing 
mind he will accept of that ; only be careful to evince 
your willingness by your obedience : 1 John iii. 22, 
Your sins can no m.ore prevent the mercy of the Lord 
visiting you, than a patient's sickness would prevent his 
physician : Mat. ix. 12. 13. Yield obedience to his 
commands, and great as your crimes might have been 
against him. He will never upbraid you of them ; for He 
delights in extending mercy to the chief of sinners : 
Deut. xiii. 17. 18. Every comfort that you can desire, 
you shall have : yea, all the good of the land lies before 
you : and you shall shortly be put in full possession of 
your inheritance. 

Do not say that your enemies who oppose you are 
giants, and you, in your ov>m eyes, are but a grasshopper ; 
only be willing and obedient, and you shall, mark that, 
there is no if io it: no: the ifs, and buts, relate to 
changeable man, and not to an unchanging God. The 
land lies just before you : talk not of the roughness of 
the way, but march boldly on, in all the ways of God's 
commandments : mountains will fall before you, valleys 
will be exalted, and, through grace, " ye shall eat th$ 
good of the land,'' 



OF TEMPORAL BLESSINGS IN' GENERAL. 11 

*' He that doeth the will of God abidcth forever." 1 John ii. 17. 

The world's darlings never were God'.s friends, though 
he greatly befriends them: Matt. v. 45. 1 John ii. 15, 
The world, and the things of the world, which world- 
lings so highly prize, are passing away ; pride, lust, 
pleasure, honor, wealth, and worldlings, will shortly van- 
ish ; but, " he that doeth the will of God abideth for- 
ever." The servants of God are known by their doing 
the v/il! of God : Jer. vii. 23. There are many who 
icnow God's will, but do their own w ill : and, who, while 
they have religion in their head, have the love of the 
world in their heart. Religion Vvithout the world, is 
better than the v/orld without religion. The believer 
does the will of God because he loves God : John xiv. 15. 

Observe, 1st. The object of a believer's love abidcth 
forever : and his love shall never fail : Ileb. xiii. 8. 2d. 
The believer himself being born for heaven, and bound 
to heaven, shall shortly be removed thither ; and there 
abide forever : Pro v. xix. 16. Therefore, let your will, 
in all things, submit to God's will, and you shall have 
your ^^ ill of God. 3d. The will of God must be done 
norv, and the consequent blessed state of stability will 
be enjoyed here, " He that doeth, not he that icill do ; 
aUdcih, not shall abide: Alatt. vii. 24, 25. 4tli. The 
declaration is made without res])ect to persons ; He that 
doeth, whatever may be his rank, strength or condition: 
Rom. ii. 11. Do you but take care of what belongs to 
God, and rest assured that God will take care of all that 
belongs to you : 1 Kin. ii. 3. The animal life must be 
subject to the divine life ; the body must be subject to 
th." soul ; and both body and soul subject to the 7vill of 
Got. We are already so greatly indebted to the Al- 
mighty, t!mt we can never pay what we owe him ; and 
seeing he rccjuires so little of us, reason says we ought 
to do what we can ; especially when we l)ear in mind, 
llmt all our good doings only increase our own good: 
and tliat ///, not for, l<e('j)ing His commands there is 
grcMl nwiird : l*s. \1\. I I. The liigluM' you are raised 
above tlu' worhl, th(^ more you will Ix* delighted willi 
the joys of heaven. It is better to know little and do 
juueh, tlj;m to kno\N miicli and do little. Malt. vii. iil. 



12 OF TEMPORAL BLESSINGS IN GENERAL. 

" The Lord is my Shepherd : I shall not want.*' Ps. xxiii. 1. 

Shepherds are those who have the care of flocks of 
sheep, and who make it their business to direct them to a 
good pasture, lead them to wholesome water, gather them 
to a fold, at a proper time, and protect them from all 
harm. Jesus Christ is God's Shepherd, because his 
Father gave him his flock of men who are called sheep ; 
and appointed him to die for, call, feed, and gather 
them : Ps. c. 3 : Zech. xiii. 7 : John x, 15. 

Although the Lord cares and provides for all, none 
but a believer can truly say, " The Lord is my Shep- 
herd." Reader, are you a real believer ? — if so, the 
Lord is your Shepherd ; and you have a right to call him 
such. It is your duty and privilege to encourage your- 
self in him : not only from the relation in which he 
stands to you, but also, from what you have already 
experienced of his goodness r Ps. cxxi. 2, 3. 

David, here expresses. 1st. His present confidence, 
^ The Lord is my Shepherd ; " you may do the same ; 
for you have the same privilege, seeing he is the Shep- 
herd of every particular believer ; not one escapes his 
notice ; no, not even the meanest of the flock, will be 
neglected : Isa. xl. 11. He has them all in his fold, and 
performs well the part of a good shepherd. John x. 1 J. 
Unlike the hireling, he never leaves, but is constantly 
watching them: Ps. xxxiii. 18: and will suffer no one 
to harm them: 1 Chron. xvi. 21. 

All are well kept whom the Lord keeps : he not 
only provides food, but whatever will add to their com- 
fort : Ps. Ixxxiv. 11. This David knew from experi- 
ence ; hence, 

2d. He declares his future hope, " I shall not want.'** 
Trust in the Lord at all times ; and depend upon it he 
will never suffer you to want any good thing : Ps» 
xxxiv. 10. You shall have food convenient, and raiment 
to put on ; and such a supply of all good things, as shall 
leave you no cause to complain the want of any. Bread 
is not always given to those who trust in themselves ; 
but verily all who trust in the Lord shall be fed : Ps* 
xxxvii. 3. If the Lord is so good a Shepherd, surely 
we ought to be guided by him, obey his voice, follow his 
Steps, ajxdj like h^armless sheep, lie at his feeU 



OF TEMPORAL BLESSINGS IN GENERAL. 13 

*'' Tie that spared not his own Son, hut delivered Jiirn up for us 
all, how shall he not with him also free)) give gs all things." 
Rom. viii. 32. 

This is a question which unbehef will never be able 
to answer ; and ought to remove all doubts, and silence 
all objections. Here we have, 

1st. The firm foundation on which our hopes are built : 
^' He," the Father of all our mercies, loved our race so 
well, that when we were under an arrest and condemned 
to die, '^ spared not his own Son,'^ did not think him too 
precious a gift to bestow for our salvation : John iii. 16. 
We had all sinned and brought ruin upon ourselves, 
having violated God^s holy law. Rom. v. 12. Stern 
Justice hold us by the throat, while the broken Law 
thundered out its curses upon all: Gal. iii. 10: and, lo ! 
when satisfaction was demanded, and we had nothing to 
give, the very God against whom we had sinned, and 
whose injured Law held us under a curse, spared not 
his own Son, " but delivered htm up for us alU^^ to be 
made a curse for us," Gal. iii. 13 ; that he might redeem 
us from the curse under which the Law held us. '' Here- 
in is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, 
and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins : " 1 
John iv. 10. 

We may, therefore reasonably, and confidently expect, 

2d. That '' with him he will freely give us all things ^ 
He hrs given his Son for us, and will give him to us : 
and with him also "^'freely, " not gmdgingly, nor spar- 
ingly, ''give us all things, ^^ that he sees we really need : 
Pliil. iv. 19. We have only tb let Ihfiilit^ wisdom de- 
termine what things we do ne'ed, and then di^pend upon 
having them. But we must not think of buying or bar- 
tering, in order to attain them: no; we must be willing 
to receive thcim as a gift. Tlie coin we use in this 
world is not current in the other : we nnist, therefore, go 
to Ciod as pctiti()nei*s, and not as purcliasers. And now, 

3d. Put the question, '' JIow shall he not ? " If 
when we were enemies to God by wickiHl works, He 
''spared not his own Ao//," would not fori^^ive bim onn 
strok(^, nor abate one fartliing of tli(» debt he had under- 
taken to pay for us, what may wc not expect him to do 



14 OF TEMFOKAL. BLESSINGS IN OENERAIr. 

** The desire of the righteous shall be granted " Pro v. x. 24, 

Every real believer in Christ has a threefold right- 
eouness : 1st, He is righteous in his person^ in Christ ; 
having Christ^s obedience and sufferings imputed to him : 
Isa. xlv. 24 : Rom. iv. 6. 2d. His nature being renew- 
ed, assisted and directed, by the Spirit of God, he is 
righteous in his life ; but utterly disclaims this, in the 
case of justification before God : PhiL iii. 9. He be- 
lieves un^o righteousness ; Rom. X. TO; and therefore, 
3d. his faith is counted unto him for righteousness : 
Rom. iv. 3, 5, 9- 

Although the righteous frequently have their fears, 
their desire is towards God : and not according to their 
fears, but according to their faith, shall it be done unto 
them : Matt. ix. 29. It does not say, the appetites of 
the body shall be gi^atified, but the desire of the heart 
shall be granted. The desire of a heart renewed by 
grace, is, to become like God ; to love him more, and 
serve him better ; and to please Him in every thought, 
word, and act: Ps. cxix. 97, 113. If we make God 
the delight of our heart. He will give us the desire of 
our heart : Ps. xxxvii. 4. While in this world we want 
but little, nor shall we want that little long ; but while 
we need it, God will give it: Ps. Ixxxiv. 11. If we 
take God for our Leader, we are sure to have him for 
our Provider. We must take care to have the law of 
God in our hearts, and that will regulate the desire 
of our hearts. Whatever we desire and God withholds, 
we may rest assured that it v/ould do us no good, could 
we obtain it, or the goodness of God would compel him 
to give it. 

No father loves his child any the less for withholding 
what he knows would injure it ; neither does our heav- 
enly Father evince a want of love to his children, by 
suffering them to cry loud, and long, and, after all, re- 
fuse to give what he well knows would harm them. 
But of this we may always rest assured, " The desire 
of the righteous shall be granted," in some way or other ; 
and in that way too, which will be most to their advan- 
tage ; for when the Lord does not remove the burden 
from the back, he never fails to fit the back for the bur- 
den : 2 Cor. xii. 8, 9. 



OF TEMPORAL BLESSINGS IN GENERAL. 15 

** Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of 
the life that now is, and of that whicli is to come." 1 Tim. iv. 8, 

For those who are under the law, it is very natural 
for them to think, that for so much work, they shall ob- 
tain so much wages : and that God will be faithful to 
his promise, if we perform the required conditions. This 
is the result of pride, which aiises from ignorance of 
ourselves, and of the word of God's rich grace and free 
promises : 2 Cor. i. 20. Every believer in Jesus is a 
holy, godly soul, and has all cause for daily comfort and 
joy : 1 Pet. i. 8. All who live godly have the gain of 
godliness while living : for, observe, 

1st. It is profitable ; and has, or having, the " promise 
of the life that now is : " there is nothing, which 
would be XY\i\y profitable unto us, but godliness has the 
promise of. Under the Old Testament, the promises 
were mostly of temporal blessings ; but under the New 
Testament, of blessings spiritual, and eternal. It may 
be, that but little of this world's good things fall to your 
lot ; but let this encourage you, that, though you may 
possess but a small portion in the life that now is, you 
will, ere long, have no cause for complaint. 

2d. Godliness has the promise of the '' life which is 
to come ;" and the good things you will enjoy there, will 
fully compensate you for all your pains, trials, crosses, 
losses, and sufterings, that you may be called to endure, 
in " the life that now is ;" Rom. viii. 28. You \\ ill 
find too, even now, if you will only take the trouble to 
balance the profit and loss, that you are a great gainer. 
For, 

3d. Godliness '' is profitable unto all things : " and 
will, yea, does, more than make up for all you might be 
called to lose. Should you be disgraced among men, 
you are honored before God; 1 John, iii, 2: denied in 
carnal pleasures you enjoy spiritual ones ; Ps. cxix. 165 : 
and for losing a short, vain, uneiMtain, and s(M'ro\\ful life 
U})on earth, you will gain a durable, immortal, and most 
blessed life in heaven : 2 Cor. iv. 17. Having obtained 
an evidence of the favor of God, in Him you will find 
a rich, full, and ready supply of all your needs. The 
form of Godliness alone, is proiilahle in notliing ; but 
** godliness ^^ m i^owvr J '' is p'ofitablc unto all things.'* 



16 OF FOOD. 

" Trust in the Lord, and do good 3 so shalt thou dwell in the 
land, and verily thou shalt be fed." Ps. xxxvii. 3. 

The whole of religion appears to consist in taking 
God at his word ; neither can any man be said to trust 
in God who does not obey him . 1 John v. 3. To 
trust in the Lord,^^ is, 

1st. Firmly to expect whatever he has promised in 
his word : Ps. Ixii. 8. And to stay ourselves upon 
Him, being resolved to leave with him all future events : 
Isa. xxvi. 3. But, observe, 2d. It is not enough that 
we trust in the Lord and do no harm ; no : we must 
trust in Him and do good ; neither will it do to do good 
and then trust in our good doings ; nor in ourselves, nor 
any thing that we can, or may do : but we are to trust 
in the Lord after having done all the good we can. 
Luke xvii. 10. And 3d. It is only when we have done 
good, that we have a right to expect good : but then, 
we may confidently trust in the Lord for everything nec- 
essary to our well being, which will include food as well 
as every other good thing. It does not say, thou shalt be 
rich ; but fed: neither does it say, thou shalt live in a 
palace, or be surrounded with a retinue of servants ; but 
thou " shalt dwell in the land J ^ And certain it is, if 
you trust in the Lord, you shall have a place to live in-; 
and be fed wdth food convenient for you : Isa. xxxiii. 16. 

AH you have to do, is, to be careful to live right, and 
then whatever comes must be right, as far as you are 
concerned : Rom. viii. 28. Should the v^dnds of adver- 
sity blow hard upon your humble cot, and poverty with 
his iron grasp press you sore, still trust in the Lord^^iid 
continue to do good : resolve, rather to perish ^thah to 
sin: be careful not to go out of the way of Providence ; 
dwell in the land ; and, though dark may be your way, 
and your prospects gloomy, forget not, that it is still 
ysfuiiQui, '^ Verily thou shalt he fed '^^ yea, as truly as 
God hath declared it. He who fed you last, will fe^d 
you still. Be not ambitious ; nor covetous ; nor a lover 
of gain ; but be careful of your walk, watchful over 
your own conduct, and, in all things, adorn your profes- 
sion, lest Jesus be wounded in the house of his friends. 
The time of your extremity is God^s opportunity: food 
hQ has promised, and that you shall have. Gen. xviii, 25. 



or FOOD. It 

" Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they 
reap, nor gather into barns ; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. 
Are ye not much better than they ? " Matt. vi. 26. 

In all times and seasons, and under every circumstance, 
there is something to be found in the words of Christ 
well suited to our state. His words are like a well fin- 
ished portrait, which, whoever looks upon conceives the 
eyes to be fixed upon him. In order to have your faith 
simple, and your hope steadily fixed upon God, you are 
here, 

1st. Invited to ^^ BeAoW," look at, think upon, do 
see '' the fowls^^ — they have no disquietude about what 
they shall eat. There are many fowls, and various sorts ; 
some are very ravenous in their nature ; notwithstanding, 
the God of Providence feeds them all, with food con- 
venient for them. Ps. cxlvii. 9. It gives them no concern, 
in the fall of the year, how they are to be provided for 
in the coming winter : still they are fed through the 
depth of winter ; as well as the height of summer ; Will 
your heavenly Father, who is so mindful of his fowh, 
be unmindful of his children ? 

Observe, 2d. It is not said the fowls at the barn 
door ; but, the ^^ fowls of the air ;" — not the tame fowls 
which are daily fed by their owner : but the wild fowls, 
that, without any care of their own ; are constantly fed, 
*^ They sow not,^^ neither do they trouble themselves to 
^^ gather into bams ; " nor give themselves any concern 
about food, till hunger reminds them of their need, tiien 
they seek and find it. And while "your heavenly 
Father ^^ feeds them, can you doubt of his feeding you? 
Surely not ! And noW; 

3d. Put the question to your own heart, " Arc ye 
not much better than they ?" Not that you have been 
no more ungrateful than ever the fowls were capable of 
being ; but are ye not of much more value tlian many 
fowls ? Matt. x. 31. The fowls were made to serve 
you ; you were made to serve God ; and how can you 
serve him without trusting in him ? Endeavor to k(M»p 
your soul alive l)y faith in the promises of God : and your 
body shall 1m^ kept alive by tlu^ pr()vi(leno(M)f (lod : 
Prov. X. 3. Some tnist God while tlu^y havt all things ; 
but do you strive to trust him /or all thinjjs. 



18 OF RAIMENT. 

'' Behold I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and 1 
will clothe thee with change of raiment. " Zech. iii. 4. 

Pliny informs us of a rod of rairtle, which, while a 
traveller carries it in his hand, will keep him from grow- 
ing weary. Truly the word of God is like this myrtle 
rod, for it braces our nerves, supports our minds, strength- 
ens our faith, resolves our doubts, smooths our rugged 
path, and beguiles our weary steps through this world to 
our native home. 

Your attention is called to a most gracious declaration 
and precious promise, '^ jBeAo/c// " This word imports 
excitement ; Isa. vii. 14 : attention ; John i. 29: joy ; 
Matt. xxi. 5 : certainty ; Lnke xxiv. 39 : and, to behold^ 
is to look on, Gen. xxxi. 51; consider: Sam. i. 12. 
know ; John xix. 5 ; care for; John xix. 26, 27, "Be- 
hold, '' 

1st. God has forgiven all thy sins, notwithstanding 
their magnitude and number ; and '' caused thine iniquity 
to pass from thee ;" never more to appear against thee. 
Do you ask, is it possible ! yea, it is not only possible 
but certain ! for when the Lord foro-ives, he foro;ives all : 
and enables us to put off our filthy rags of corrupt affec- 
tions and lusts, as we would cast ofli" old clothes for which 
we have no further use ; being washed by faith, in the 
blood of Christ ; Rom. i. 5, 6 : And, 

2d. "A change oj raiment'''^ is also given. By 
faith we receive, and are clothed with, the righteousness 
of Christ, which is not only given, but imparted to us. 
Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. xiii. 14. — 
Clothed with this change of raiment, you can appear in 
the Court of heaven, as though you had never sinned; 
and ask and have whatever you need, with a full expec- 
tation of obtaining it : John xiv. 13, 14. 

Having obtained a change of raiment for the soul, you 
may confidently expect one for the body. If your 
heavenly Father has clothed the inner man, you need 
not think the outer man will have to go naked : Matt, 
vi. 32. Some people examine their clothes much, and 
their hearts little : and are often crying for better clothes, 
when they ought to be praying for better hearts : 2 Cor. 
xiii. 5. Many who wear a fine outside, have a filthy 
inside : Luke xi. 39. 



OF RAIMENT. 19 

*' Tf God 90 clotlie the grass of tlie field, wLich to-day is, nnd to- 
morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe vou, 
O ye of little faith ? Matt. vi. 30. 

The best of men are but ^ro^^^ at best, whatever might 
be their endowments : and the grave, as an oven, will 
shortly consume them all : 1 Pet. i. 24. And that is a 
grand reason why we should take no distressing thought 
what we shall wear on the morrow : for to-morrow the 
ghroud, coffin, and grave, may be all that we shall need : 
Prov. xxvii. 1. The grass carci* not for to-morrow, it 
toils not as we do : and yet it is clothed. Neither do 
the lillies spin, notwithstanding, Solomon's clothing could 
not equal theirs. It does not follow, that we are to be 
idle, and not make use of all lawful means, but the con- 
trary : 2 Thes. i. 10. But after having made use of 
every effort to procure those things we need, we should 
leave the event with God ; trusting in, and relying upon 
him ; resting assured, that he v/ho provides for his infe- 
rior creatures, without labor, will not f lil to crown cur 
labors \\ ith his blessing, and provide for us. There are 
many ^^ho pay all attention to the body, and no atten- 
tion to tlie soul ; l)ut do you pay attention to both, and 
to the soul most : Matt, vi 33. Clothing was first made 
to hide our shame, though many make it all their glory : 
Ps. xlix. 14. Your clothes may bo worn thin, and you 
may be worn out before your clothes. Let it, therefore, 
give you no concern where your next suit is to come 
from : for surely He who clothes the grass will clothe you. 

'' O yc of little Jaith,^^ give your fears to the wind ; 
let it suffice that your heavenly Father knoweth you 
have need of these things. Let not carnal reason exalt 
itself against tlie grace and truth of God. Unbi^lirf i» 
an enemy to your Lord's love and truth. Live no longer 
in yourself, but in Christ; be happy in him, and coin- 
forlabh^. in following him : Gal. ii. 20. '' Shall he not 1 
Can he not ? Will he not ? Yes He will ; ** much more 
clothe yoii,'^ than the grass, which cither grows unnoticed, 
is food for beasts, or fuel for the oven. How can you 
be poor, while in iho jiossession of so many precious 
jewels, a^ you have in Christ ? Fine clothes Piay hide the 
shanu^ of the body, but can lu^ver co^•(M• the shame of ihr 
soul. When you need raiment, ask God : Gen. xxvii. 20. 



so OP LONG LIFE. 

" Thou shah come to thy grave in a full age, like a shock of corn 
Cometh in his season." Job. v. 26. 

It is appointed unto men once to die ; Heb. ix. 27 : 
but when, where, and how, is known only to God, in 
whom we live ; Acts xvii. 28 : and though we cannot 
lengthen our days, we may greatly shorten them; 
Ps. Iv. 23 : notwithstanding the number of them is set, 
so that heyond that bound we cannot pass ; Job. xiv. 14, 
However, that should s^ive us but little concern, seeincr 
we are assured by Him who gives us breath, that every 
believer shall die seasonably : be no longer in bondage 
through fear of death ; for thou mayest depend, 

1st. Upon not being driven away, as is the case with 
the wicked ; Prov. xiv. 32 : but '^ thou shalt come to 
thy grave,^^ as one who is, not only willing, but waiting, 
his 5laster's call, fearing no evil ; Ps. xxiii. 4. Bear in 
mind. 

2d. Though you may not live to old age, the promise 
is, '^ Thou shalt come to thy grave in full ageJ^ You 
shall live till your work is done ; and then, being wil- 
ling to die, you will be conducted to your grave in peace, 
and pass safely through it. That you will die seasonably, 
and not prematurely, admits of no doubt ; for you will 
go to your grave '* like a shocTc of corn.^'' You know 
the corn is not cut and housed before it is fully ripe ; 
neither shall death cut you down, nor your body be 
housed in the grave, until you are ripe for death and 
glory : as the corn, when cut, is ripe for the sickle, and 
barn. Our times are in the hand of God, who is the 
great husbandman, and who is continually watching our 
growth in grace, and will not cut us down till he sees 
we are ready ; but will not suffer us to remain longer. 

You will live long enough to finish your work that 
God has for you to do ; and then, like happy Paul, you 
will want to be off to your reward : 2 Tim. iv. 6 — 8. 
While you do live, live to good purpose ; strive to live 
holy, and unto the world die daily ; and, while you have 
life, love Christ more than life. Look unto the Lord, 
and wait continually upon the God of your salvation : 
believe him, honor him, obey him, and ^' thou shalt come 
to thy grave in full age,^^ 



OF LONG LIFE. 21 

" Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them 
shall not fall on the ground without your father." Matt. x. 29. 

Who can describe the wild emotion of conscience, 
and the distress of a soul, under a feeling sense of sin 
and death? None can, but the heart which knows its 
own bitterness. Neither can any tongue express the 
sweet peace, and calm repose, of that soul who rests in 
Jesus ; for a, stranger intermeddles not with its joys. 

We are told of some, who, through fear of death, 
were all their lifetime subject to bondage: Heb. ii. 15. 
But a believer in Christ ought ever to remember, that 
Jesus, who has the keys of death, commands him not 
to fear : Rev. i. 17, 18. Neither can he fear while he 
has his eye of faith upon the promises of God : Ps. 
xxiii. 4. Observe, 

1st. The vast difference between the value of a spar- 
roiv and a believer. The former were sold " two for a 
farthing ; " (less than a cent a piece) and the latter 
was bought with the precious blood of Christ : 1 Pet. 
i. 18, 19. 

2d. The notice that is taken of sparrows : '^ One of 
them shall not fall on the ground, neither to take up its 
food, nor by death, '' ivithout your Father.'^ If then, 
your Father is so mindful of his birds, can you suppose 
him less mindful of his children ? 

Your enemies, like fowlers, may endeavor to ensnare 
you, or shoot their envenomed darts at you, but '' i/our 
Father " will preserve you, while he sees it will be for 
your good and his glory ; therefore, be not afraid of 
death, nor covet life, since both are yours : 1 Cor. iii. 2Q. 
A Ions; life is good, but a good Tde is better ; and you 
have the promise of every good thing : Ps. Ixxxiv. 1 1 . 
Live every day as though it were your dying day ; and 
you will liave no cause* to complain of the waht of d.iys : 
Dent. V. 33. WMiih^ you have life prepan^ for death. 
Improve all the time you have, and when you come to 
die you will fnid you hav(^ lived long enough : Phil. iii. 
21. While you are on the earth, lay up treasure in 
heaven: Matt. vi. 19 — 21. Labor to b(» in your life 
what you would wish to be in death. While your Father 
cares for you, what can harm you ? 1 Pet. iii. 13. 
3 



22 OF SAFETY. 

" The LoTiD is thy keeper : the Lord is thy shade upon thy 
right hand." Ps. cxxi. 5. 

The most delightful object to a spiritual eye, the most 
comforting subject to a spiritual mind, is " God in Christ, 
reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their 
trespasses unto them : " 2 Cor. v. 18. The hills afford 
us a pleasing idea of our blessed Saviour : As they are 
elevated parts of the same earth with the lowest valley ; 
so Jesus " was found in fashion as a man, took on him 
the same nature, and w^as in all things like unto his 
brethren, sin alone excepted : " Phil. ii. 8 : Heb. iv. 15. 
Truly, they are well kept whom the Lord keeps. He 
who keeps the Church is the keeper of every individual 
member. Art thou a believer in Jesus ? — If so, 

1st. '' The Lord is thy Jceeper ;'^ and as a life-guard 
would encamp around a prince, to protect his royal person, 
so the angel of the Lord encampeth round about thee : 
Ps. xxxiv. 7. What is it, or, who is it, can harm thee ? 
His angel guards thee, and He himself keeps thee : Ps : 
xci. 1 — 11. What more canst thou need? He is a 
good Shepherd, and thou canst never have a better 
Keeper, and he has engaged to keep thee safely : John 
X. 28. Thou mayest meet with storms to toss thee, but 
wilt never meet with a rock to split thee, while under 
the protection of so good a keeper. But that is not all ; for, 

2d, '^ The Lord is thy shadeJ^ Fear not, then, the 
threatning storms; let the lightnings flash, the thunders 
roar, the tempest howd, and storms beset thee, beneath 
this shade thou art secure : Deut. xxxiii. 12. The cloud 
of his protecting love is ever over thee ; the sickly rays 
of the sun cannot smite thee ; neither can earth and 
hell, with their united forces harm thee. For, 

3d. The Lord is upon '' Thy right handJ^ And 
though thou mayest have no power, Christ, thy best 
friend, has all power: Matt, xxviii. 18: And even if 
thou should St lose thy life for Christ, thou wilt iSnd a 
better life in Christ: Col. iii. 4. 

What hast thou to fear ? What canst thou fear, while 
thou hast so good a keeper, so kind a friend, and blest 
with such a shade, always '* on thy right ?" Away 
with ypur fears ! Dread nothing but sin. If you would 
not be birrnt by the §un, be careful to walk in the shade. 



OF SAFETY, 23 

*' Fear not : I am tlie first and the last : I am lie. that livetli, and 
was dead : and behold 1 am live forevermore, Amen : and have the 
keys of hell and of death." Rev. i. 17, 18. 

The faithful believer in Jesus is truly blessed ; blessed 
in him with all spiritual blessings ; and enjoys a sweet 
sense of blessedness in obeying him: Eph. i. 3. Not- 
withstanding, you may be sometimes sorrowful even unto 
tears ; but should always bear in mind, that nothing can 
befall you but what is for your good : Rom. viii. 28. 
Our heavenly Father is so kind, he only gives correction 
when we deserve destruction : Lam. iii. 2*2. He never 
leaves his children for a single moment ; and even when 
death stares them in the face he will command away 
their faars, by whispering to their hearts, '^ Fear not ! " 
And while he thus encourages them to keep up their 
spirits, he assigns the best of reasons why they should 
not fear any danger that may threaten them. 

1st. " lam,^^ says Christ, ** the first and the last ;" the 
first-born of every creature, and the first begotten from 
the dead : Col. i. 15, 18 : none were before me ; neither 
shall any come after me : Prov. viii. 22 — 36. Thus he 
makes himself known as their Lord. 

2d. lie is their Saviour ; and declares, '^ I ivas dead ;'' 
it is true 1 hud to subniit unto death for a time ; but then, 
lie could not hold me ; I conquered the king of terrors 
in his own terti lories ; I broke his icy chain, soon as? 1 
would ; and, '• behold, lam alive forevermore : '' Luke 
xxiv. 38, 39. Never more shall Death have dominion 
over me ; 1)ut in the end I will destroy him : 1 Cor. xv. 
26. Think not that no one cares for thy safety, and 
that thy suiTcrings are unnoticed ; for '^ I am the Amen/' 
the faithful and the true witness of all to which thou 
art exposed, as well as all thou art called to (Muhu'c: 
l^n^iii. 11. 

3d. lie not afraid of any one taking thy life, or send- 
iiig thee out of the world without my conscMit, for '' I 
have the keys of hell and of death ;" and it is ini|u>ssi- 
ble for any one to pass from time to eternily without 
my notice: Rev. v. 12, 13. 

iJdiever, thlidv not that you can die by cliance, while 
the keys of the invisible world hang to the girdle of 
yourSavioiu*. 



24 OF SAFETY. 

" For I, saitli the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round 
about, and will be the glory in the midst of her." Zech. ii. 5. 

Say, soldier of Christ, has thy captain ever deceived 
thee? Did he not tell thee, before enlisting under his 
banner, who were his enemies, and what thou hadst to 
expect from them? Almost every page of his word 
furnishes accounts how the men of this world look upon 
the children of God. But no matter who, or what, op- 
poses them, the Lord is resolved to protect them. God's 
peculiar people are. in themselves, a weak people ; and 
the world hates the cause in which they are engaged ; 
and consequently hates them : John xv. 19. But, for 
their safety the Lord has engaged to be, 

1st, ^' A tcall unto them ;'' and such a tcall too as 
their enemies shall not be able either to batter or scale ; 
"a it'Cf// of /zre,'' that an enemy cannot possibly ap- 
proach : Prov. iii. 23, 24. * Observe, ^d. He will not 
be a ivall on one side only, but '^ round about f so that, 
there being no breach, it is impossible for an enemy to 
injure them : Prov. i. 33. And 3d. The Lord will not 
enclose them and then leave them. like forlorn prisoners ; 
for He himself \^ ill be the wall, and will have '* his glory 
in the midst of her,^' 

As the Eastern Shepherds were accustomed to collect 
then* flocks at night, and make a fire round about them, 
to preserve them from beasts of prey, \\ hich would not 
venture through the fire, being afraid of it, so the Lord 
is like a circle of fire drawn round about all believers ; so 
that all who serve God, may be truly said to live in God : 
1 John iv. 16 ; and have the glory of God in the midst 
of them. If God gives glory to us, let us be careful to 
give glory to God : 1 Cor. x. 31 : and ever bear in mind, 
that the vessels of grace will swim in the ocean of glory. 
We must be purified by Christ, before we can be glorified 
with Christ. Fear not, then, trembling believer, for 
greater is he that is for you, than all w4io can be against 
you : Rom, viii. 31, Should the hand of God happen 
to be against you, never think that his heart is against 
you ; for whom he loves he chastens, in one way or 
other : Heb. xii. 6, Sin not ; and Fear not. Be not 
afraid of sinking in sorrow while you are swimming in 
grace. 



OF SAFETY. 25 

*' Let your conversation be witfiout covctousness, and be content 
with such tilings as ye liave ; for he hath said, 1 will never leave 
thee, nor Ibrsake thee." lleb. xiii. 5. 

CovETousNESs is a sin that may lie long concealed 
in our bosoms ; but unless it be subdued will find way 
into our conversation and actions : let us, then, never 
rest with such an enemy ; for, like a cankerworm ; it will 
eat away all our happiness, and bring a disgrace on that 
cause we profess to espouse : Prov. xxviii. 16. Sliould 
you have such an enemy lurking about you, you are 
exhorted to put it away ; that, 

1st. Your '' conversation^^ might be '' without covet- 
ousncss.^^ 2d. Consider how many good things of this 
life you have, more than you really deserve, at the hand 
of God, whose holy laws you have broken : Gal. iii. 10. 
And, 3d. What spiritual things you have. You have 
the everlasting, unchangeable love of God fixed upon 
you — the life, death, and intercession of the Son of God 
for your wisdoin, righteousness, sanctification and redemp- 
tion : 1 Cor. i. 30 ; and, as a consequence of this, the 
Spirit has bestowed graces upon you ; hence you have 
faith in Christ — hope towards God — love to him — 
delight in him — and a desire to keep his commandments : 
Ps. cxix. 97 : and to encourage and enable you to walk 
holily, the precious promises are given you as the staff 
of your faith : Rom. xv. 4. What more canyon desire, 
tlian these ? 4th. Strive to '' be content with such things 
as ye have ; " be thankful v/ith what you have ; and 
willing to want what he is not willing to give ; '' For ht 
hath 6-^r/./," — Who hath said ? — God, who cannot lie., 
and who will never deceive thee. '' I will never leave 
thee : '* Joshua i. 15 : let thy condition be what it may ; 
in sickness and in health, in poverty and in riches, at 
home and abroad, in honor and reproach, by land and 
by sea, in life and in death, I will be with thee to bless 
thee, and strengthen thee, and uphold thee. And, 5tli. 
Though all the world should turn their back upon thee, 
" I will not forsake thee : Deul. iv. 31. 

Is not all this enough to mak(^ you content ? Can 
you any longer doubt of his protecting love ? — What 
could a (lod of Love say or do, more than he has already 
«aid and done ? Isa, v. 4. 
3* 



26 OF PEACE. 

*' Great peace have they which love thy law ; and nothing shall 
offend them." Ps. cxis. 165. 

The laW; the moral law, worketh wrath : Rom. iv. 
15 : for by it is the knowledge of sin. Have not all 
believers experienced a sense of wrath in the conscience, 
when the law has discovered unto them their sins ? But 
this law is subservient to the law of love. Jesus, of 
whom the ceremonial law was a shadow, and by whose 
holy life the moral law received perfect obedience to all 
its requirements, was the *• seed of the woman,'' in whom 
the law of peace and salvation entered. The law of 
life and salvation is '• sure to all the seed : '^ Rom. iv. 
16. Hence all believers delight in it, and have great 
peace from it ; for having made the law of God their 
rule, they strive in all things to be ruled by it : Ps. i. 2 ; 
while a consciousness of having done what the word or 
law of God requires, produces that invvard peace and 
serenity of soul, to which the transgressors are strangers. 

Observe, 1st. It does not say, they shall have peace ; 
but, '• Great peace have they v^hich love thy law ; '' so 
that they do not have peace /or loving the law of God ; 
but in the act of lovin^^ it ; it is in keeping the commands 
they have the reward : Ps. xix. 10. It is true, they 
may have great troubles without, but they have '^ great 
'peace " within. They have also, 2d. Great security ; 
for '^ nothing shall offend them. '^ No one shall entangle 
them : and no temptation shall be too powerful for them : 
1 Cor. X. 13. Nothing shall, noihing can, do them any 
real harm ; for while God is good to all, he is truly good 
to Israel : Ps. Ixiii. 1 . Whatever befalls them must be 
for the best : Rom. viii, 28. Grace in the heart will 
create more peace than gold in the pocket. Riches may 
make a man haughty, but religion will make a man happy. 
And, 3d. The law of God is the will of God and : though 
a Christian has a will of his ov\'n, he must never expect 
peace in loving his own will ; No ; it is said '' thy law,'' 
and not our law : Matt. vi. 10. There are many who 
know the law of God, but very few who love the law of 
God ; but those who love not the law, are very soon 
offended if they are told so ; while every wind that blows 
ruffles them ; so that they have no peace : Isa. Ivii. 21. 
i\Iany mistake hearing, or reading the law, for doing it. 



OF PEACE. 27 

" These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have 
peace." John xvi. 33. 

Christ's legacy to all his brethren, is, '^ tribulation 
in the world, and peace in him." Every follower of 
Jesus is sure of the former, and no less certain of the 
latter. If he has to suffer for Christ, he has peace in 
him. Observe, 

1st. Among the '' things spolcen " of by Christ, while 
in the world, you may expect tribulations from the world ; 
neither must you be surprised if your heaviest troubles 
should happen to come from the church ; for it may be, 
that some might think they would be doing the Lord a 
service by killing you ; but all such have 710 peace in 
Jesus : John xvi. 1. 2. 

2d. The reason why Christ has '^ spoken these 
things.'^ Not to discourage you, or keep you in constant 
fear ; no ; but to wean you from the world, put you on 
your guard, and encourage you to hope in him ; '^ that 
in him ye might have peace^ Having made peace with 
the Prince of peace, you have peace with God ; peace 
with conscience ; peace with men ; peace within, and 
peace without ; and an endless jieace awaits you in 
heaven : Ps. xxxvii. 37, If you have peace with God, 
the world, the flesh and the devil can never harm you ; 
for though you may have many enemies, you have one 
friend stronger than all. Christ your Saviour is not only 
a peace-bringer, but also a peace-maker ; and has made 
peace between your soul and God: Rom.v. 1. The 
only path he requires you to walk in is peace : Prov. iii. 
17. His Gospel is peace ; Eph. vi. 15. His reward is 
peace : Isa. Ivii. 2. So that, you perceive, it is in Christ, 
and through him alone, that we have peace. '"• These 
things," says he, ^' 1 have spolcen unto you : ^^ 1 have 
told you of them before they come to pass, so, that you 
need expect no favors from the world. I have now 
apprised you of them, ^^ that inme ye might have peacc.^'' 

We are too apt to judge of God's love to us by his 
providences, instead of his promises ; and forget that 
tribulation in the world is as necessaiy for the soul as 
peace in Jesus ; or our loving Savioin* would never have 
apj)ointed it for us. The valley of tribulaln.Hi is no 
deeper than the aiountain of jxcace is high. 



28 


OF HONOR. 




and life. 


liurnillty and the fuar of lite Lord, are riches, 
" Prov. xxii. 4. 


and lionor, 



Of the vast multitude who are contending for honor, 
but few seek it in that way in which alone it can be 
found. Observe, 

1st. The only way to become truly honorable is to 
become truly humble. '^ Humility " makes men like 
amrels : but the want of it made an^^cls dev^ils. When- 
ever you would rise highest, be sure you sink lowest : 
Luke xiv. 11. A believer in Christ is like a ship on the 
ocean, the greater thecar^Lo, the deeper it swims. The 
best of saints are the least of saints: Eph. iii. 8, 

2d. Humility leads to " the fear of the Lord ;" which 
is here put for the whole of religion ; and these two 
together are '' riches and honor,^^ The only way to be 
honored by God, is to be humble befo]-e God : Matt, xviii. 
4. While vou are humble in the si;:du of the Lord, you 
will always be honored with the presence of the Lord ; 
for thoudi he reigns in the highest heavens, he also 
dwells with the humble spirit: La. Ivii. 15. AH the 
lionor that comes from men dies with men ; but tlie 
honor that comes from God will last forever : Ps. cxil. 6. 

3d. As honor would be of no use to the dead, you 
shall have ^- /(/e," that you might enjoy your lionor. 
The Lord will give you long life, if he sees it needful 
for you ; but if not, as your ''riches and honor '^ are 
eternal, you shall have eternal life to enjoy them in : 
John X. 28. Ever bear in mind, the way to the holy 
hill lies through the humble vale. When the christian 
is one inch above the dust he is one inch too high. 
Flesh is proud, and apt to glory in the presence of the 
Lord ; but faith in Jesus cuts off all glorying in the 
flesh, as viewing all our salvation in Jesus alone. Yet, 
while in the flesh, we are daily exposed to the workings 
of pride, which invai'iably darken our views of the 
Redeemer. The conceptions of lusts are the produc- 
tions of sin : Jas. i. 15. How much to be deplored ! 
how carefully to be watched against, and prayed to be 
kept from ! are the awful effects of fresh contracted 
guilt. Pride goes before shame ; but '' by humility and 
the fear of the Lord, are riches, honor, and life.^' It 
is honorable to confe3S sin : but a shame to sin. 



OF HONOR. 29 

" If any man serve me, let liim follow me, and where I am there 
shall also my servant be ; if any man serve me, him vvill my Falher 
honor." John xii. 26. 

It is one thing to profess Christ, but another to serve 
Christ. 

1st. The scrvnnts of Christ ^' folloiv him ; " tliereby 
proving tliat spiritual actions are the marks of spiritual 
Christians: Matt. vii. 16. All who serve Christ must 
Jollow him in all his commandments ; John xv. 14 ; 
methods and pn^cejits : Matt. xi. 29. He must be 
followed in his example, as a pattern ; and in his Provi- 
dence and Spirit, whithersoever he leads. 2d. The 
servants of Christ must be always in waiting ; " ivhere 
lam, there shall also my servant ie ; " in the Church, 
in the assemblies of his saints, and whenever his ordi- 
nances are administered, wherever it may be, they must 
ever be ready to obey all his commands : Matt, xviii. 
20. 3d. Christ has not only appointed the work, but 
fixed the wag(*s ; ''If any nran serve me, hi?n icill my 
Father honor ;" and not with such honor as they deserve, 
but such as becomes a (lod to give : 1 Sam. ii. 30. It 
shall be true honor, wi.^ll worthy that name ; yea, ever- 
lasting honor ; Isa. XXXV. 10 : the highest honor that 
can be giv(^n : Rev. i. 6. Only serve the Son, and 
notwithstanding your weakness, and inability to perform 
your work so wt-11 as it ought to be, or, a.s you may 
desire, your labors will not be rejected, nor your services 
forgotten. 4th. '' Jf any man serve mc ; '' no matter 
who he is, nor what he is, if lu^ do(^s all he can, no more 
is required, *' him will my Father honor,^^ For there is 
no respect of persons with God ; Kom. ii. 1 1. 

Some who think tluMusclves the servants of (^hrist, 
and expect to be honored by the Father ; are very fond 
of the promises, but (l(»spise the duties ; others there are 
who love holy sayings and unholy doings ; forgetting 
that good words, without good works, w ill never turn to 
a good account: Matt. vii. 21. If we would wear 
Christ's crown, we must bear Christ*s cross : Matt.xvi, 
24. To b(^ patient, and continue in well-doing is the 
high road to honor, immortality, and cttMual \\\c ; Horn, 
ii. 7. A saint in r:i"s is mon' lionor.ilile ili:\n a sinner 
in robes. 



30 OF DIRECTION. 

*' He will be our guide even unto death." Ps. xlviii. 14. 

If the Lord be our God there is no question about his 
being our Guide; and it is our special mercy we do not 
serve an unknown God ; he has manifested himself to 
us ; is known by us ; and we have his Spirit within us : 
Rom. viii. 16. Here is, 

1st. The joyful assurance of faith : ^He will he our 
Guide : " he will, not only show us the way, but, put 
us in it. There is no part of our way but he is perfect- 
ly acquainted with ; and all the way we should go he 
has marked out for us : Ps. i. 6. Who, then, can be tso 
well qualified to guide us ? Perhaps you are ready to 
say, my path is so crooked, dark, and intricate, that I 
fear I shall never get safely through it. Let that never 
trouble you ; leave that to your £^uide ; that is his busi- 
ness ; he has engaged to guide you and must do it. All 
you have to do, is, to be guided by him ; go by his direc- 
tions ; and when it comes to the darkest, so that you 
have no light, then hang upon his arm ; trust in him, 
and stay yourself altogether upon him : Isa. 1. 10. O, 
tremendous thought ! if God were ever to cease to be our 
Guide, we should stumble and fall into remediless ruin ; 
but such a thought can only be produced by ignorance 
and unbelief; and tends to presumption, thinking we 
can do eomething to cause the Almighty to become our 
God and Guide ; and if we fail, he will leave us to grope 
our own way into the bottomless pit. Such is not the 
language of Scripture ; No ; for both say, 

2d. '- He will be our guide even unto death ; " and 
that will be the end of our journey ; yea, and he will 
not only guide us to death, but through death : Ps. xxiii. 4. 
He will guide us to death, and lead vis through death ; 
so that death shall not be able to do us any real injury : 
Ps. Ixxiii. 24. 

Perplex yourself no longer ; commit your way unto 
the Lord, and he shall bring it to pass : Ps. xxxvii. 5. 
There is no darkness, no difficulty, with God ; and he 
is engaged, by all he has and is, for your security. The 
gloomy night of life will soon be past, and the glorious 
morning of eternity will break in upon your soul, when 
all your difficulties will have forever vanished. Bear in 
mind,there are no ifs, butSj and may-be 's about it. 



OF DIRECTION. 31 

** If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to 
ell men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him."' 
James, i. 5. 

The revealed truths of God, and not his secret pur- 
poses, are the objects of our faith. Happy art thou, O 
Christian ! even should your case be as was Paul's, when 
neither sun nor stars appeared for many days ; and when 
no small tempest is upon thee, and all hope of being 
saved seems taken av/ay : Acts xxvii. 20. For in every 
storm you have Jesus at the helm ; who well knows how 
to take thy vessel into port ; though you may be igno- 
rant and unacquainted with the coast. All men are 
ignorant, but none more so than ourselves ; and while fools 
profess great v/isdom, let you and I confess our want of 
wisdom. Here w^e have, 

1st. A viev/ of God's liberality : ^' If any oj ijou, *' 
without regard to age, condition, or acquirements, '* lack 
wisdom,^^ and are sensible of your lack, ''let him,'^ with- 
out any scruple or delay, '' as/: of God, '^ to supply that 
lack ; who is infinite in wisdom and has an abur.dance 
to give : Rom. ii. 33. 

2d. The encouragement given to ask : He '- giict/i 
to all men ; " and will, therefore give it to us, so sure as 
we ask it. Be not bashful ; the only \\ay to become 
wise, in God's sight, is first to become fools in our own. 
Make no excuse about your wanting so great a stock, 
in consequence of your being so very ignorant* But 
reii>ember, 

3d. He giveth to all men "• liberally ; " plentiiuliy ; 
and cheerfully ; yea, you shall have as much as you 
need. Do not think either, that you \\ill not be so 
successful as others lia\e been. 

The matttn* is put beyond dispute ; "" It shall be gb> 
en ; " tiiere is but one ?*/ in the w hob* matter; and that 
is, " If yon lack ;" you have no room to doubt of obtain- 
ing all the information you can require ; '^ it shall be 
given." Do not bi^ afraid rither of going at a wrong 
time, nor, of your ignorance confounding you and expos- 
ing your folly. For, 

5th. lid '^ vpbraidcth 7iot.'^ GowIumivou will you 
cannot go out of si^ason ; ask as oIumi as you will, you 
will never be upbraided on account of being troublesome. 



Mi 



32 OF PLEXTr. 

" He sliall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that 
bringeth forth his fruit in his season ; his leaf also shall not wither^ 
and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Ps. i. 3. 

What a beautiful gradation is here ! 1st, ^^ He shall 
be like a tree ; '* not a shrub, or bramble, that is of 
little or no service ; but a tree ; grafted into Christ the 
tree of life: Isa. Ixi. 3. Not like a tree that grows 
wild and unnoticed in the forest. But, 2d. '' like a tree 
planted ; *' removed out of its natural and unprotected 
situation, into one much more favorable to its growth ; 
planted by the grace of God. 3d. Mark his situation ! 
Not in the burning desert ; nor by the side of a brook, 
that in the time of draught would soon run dry ; nor on the 
bleaky beach where the angry waves would continually 
cover it with their spray ; but '' hy the rivers of water ;'' 
where it shall always find sufficient moisture to support 
its growth : Ps. civ, 16. Observe, 4th. It is not a tree 
for /?^e/, but for fruit ; neither is it a barren tree ; but a 
fruit-tree ; and one that '- bringeth forth his fruit ;" 
Deut. XXX. 9. God will not suffer barren trees to re- 
main always in his garden : Luke xiii. 7. Notice, 5th. 
It does not say, he brings forth fruit always alike, either 
in quantity or quahty ; no, but •' in his season. '' Neither 
does it say, it is not to be exposed to storms, tempests, 
nor dark nights ; nor that it shall have no enemies who 
will endeavor to steal the fruit, or injure the tree ; no ; 
but none of these things shall prevent it from bringing- 
forth fruit in its season : Ps. xcii. 12. The leaves of 
Sie trees in the forest do fade and fall : But 6th. ^- But 
his leaf shall not wither ;*' his profession shall be pre-- 
served from decay ; while those who bring forth only the 
leaf of profession, without any good fruit, even that leaf 
shall wither ; and they shall become ashamed of the 
leaves they have worn. The word of the Lord in the 
heart will keep the profession green. He is an ever-green, 
always flourishing: Deut. xi. 14, 15. And, 7th.— - 
^' JVhatsoever he doeth shall prosper ;^^ so that what- 
ever befalls him, all tends to promote his growth. It 
does not say, if he is a farmer he shall always have an 
abundant harvest ; nor, if a merchant, all gain and no loss ; 
nor, if a tradesman, no disappointment ; No, but '' whai^ 
ever he doeth,'' all shall work for his good. Rom. viii. 28* 



OF PLENTY. 33 

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and 
all these things shall be added unto you :" JMatt. vi. 33. 

There are many who make religion their by-business ; 
but do you make it your main-business, and then you 
will find it a profitable business : 1 Tim. iv. 8. Here 
we have, 

1st. The coarse of life enjoined: " Seek ye first the 
Kingdom of God ;" endeavor to submit to the mild 
sceptre of Christ, and secure the erection of his king- 
dom in your heart ; or, be subject to Jesus : Luke xvii. 
21. But, in order to secure the kingdom of God, we 
must seek '^ his righteousness ;" make ourselves acquaint- 
ed with his method of making men righteous : Acts xiii. 
39. And if we would seek the kingdom and righteous- 
ness of God successfully, we must seek it " frst,^^ 
Let your work above he first done, that your work be- 
low might be well done. Seek it first every day, and 
as sure as you seek it you shall find it : Matt. vii. 7. 
Let holiness be your way, and heaven will be your end. 

2d. We have the promise annexed to the observance 
of the injunction : '^ All these things shall be added unto 
you.^^ Having secured the first two things, all these 
things shall be given you into the bargain. Do you ask, 
what things ? The answer is. All good things : Ps. 
xxxiv. 10. ^' All these things" necessary for the sup- 
port of the body ; whatciver you really need '' shall be 
added unto you^\' Phil. iv. 19. There can be no room 
to doul)t of this, since the Saviour has declared, they 
shall hi) added. 

Be careful to seek holiness, and you are sure to find 
happiness. Rc^ligion is the one thing needful ; make 
sure of that one thing, and that will secure to you all 
needful things : Luke x. 42. He who has enough lias 
])lenty. lie who possesses Clhist has all things in 
Christ : 1 Cor. iii. 21 — 23. You have nothing to dread 
from poverty in porket whih* you are poor in spirit: 
Matt. V. 3. What further- seciuMty ran you ask, or desire, 
beyond elernnl veracity ? While Christ is your's, what 
have you to fear? What ran you fear? 'Froubh^s you 
will ha\(' ; and scarcity of some things you may have ; 
but be careful to srrArj^rsKiocrs kingdom and righteous- 
ness ; and you shall hav(^ pIcMity of nin^dful thinLi:s added. 
1 



34 or A BLESSING UPON ALL THAT A GOOD MAN HAS* 

"And ye sliall serve the I ord your God, and he shall bless thy 
bread, and thy water." Excd. xxiii. 25. 

Exhortations sciird so legal in the ears of some, 
they cannot bear them to be used, either to saints or 
sinners ; but they have most need of them who see the 
least cause for them. Here we have, 

1st. A duty enjoined : '' Ye shall serve the Lord 
your God ; " but it si: ail not be for naught. The true 
and proper foundation of the service of God, should be 
laid in a knowledge of him — reconciliation with him — 
and a deliverance from all other masters : 1 Chron. 
xxviii. 9. To serve God is reasonable — advantageous 
— and necessary. Serve God and depend upon his 
serving you ; serve him faithfully, with your whole heart, 
and he will give you the desire of your heart : Psalm 
xxxvii. 4. God in Christ is ycur Father; you m.ay, 
therefore, exjrect his service will be easy ; yea, perfect 
freedom : Gal. v. 1. There are those who wear God's 
livery and do the devil's drudgery ; but all such have no 
lawfid claim to the promises of God. 

2d. We have a precious promise annexed : '^ He 
shall bless thy bread and tly water ; " The Lord has 
not only promised you bread and water, but a blessing 
also ; and, what more can you desire ? Prov. x. 22. 
Bread and water, with the blessing of God, will make 
you look fatter and fairer tlun the vvicked who may eat 
at the king's table : Dan. i. 15. Christ and a crust are 
greater riches, than great treasures without Christ : 
Matt. xvi. 26. The Lord will not only bless " your 
bread, and your water ; " but all that you have : Deut. 
xxviii. 3 — 6 : and enable you to rejoice in all the good 
things he gives you: Deut. xxvi. 11. SomiC masters 
give their servants but few things, and those very spar- 
ingly ; but God gives to these who serve him all things 
richly : 1 Tim. vi. 17. 

Our necessary dependance upon the goodness of God 
should bring us to obedience ; and deter us from offend- 
ing our Protector and Benefactor. " Ye shall serve the 
Lord your God," is the precept of our best friend ; who 
has a just claim to all our services ; and for a worm of 
the earth to scornfully turn away, and, by his actions, 
say, " I will not ! " is the blackest of ingratitude. 



OF A BLESSING UPON ALL. THAT A GOOD MAN HAS. 35 

" Blessed are the meek, for lliey shall inherit the earth." 
Matt. V. 5. 

This precious jewel, or promise, is a quotation from 
Ps. xxxvii. 1 1 ; and appears to be one of tlie most direct 
temporal promises we have in the New Testament. 
Moses was a mceli: man ; he possessed a temper of mind 
humble and submissive to the will of God. and not easily 
provoked by injuries : Numb. xii. 3 : but Jesus Christ 
being infinitely more so, must be our pattern : Matt. xi. 
29. Observe. 

1st. " Blessed are,'" not shall he, " the meelc ; " that 
is, happy are the meek. They are those who believe 
that whatever befalls them is for the best : Rom. viii. 23. 
They, therefore quietly submit to the will, word, and rod 
of their heavenly Father : Luke xxi. 19 : and are mild 
and kind toward all men. They possess themselves ; 
are governors of all their passions ; imitate their Saviour ; 
and would rather die than sin : Gen. xxxix. 9. They 
not only are in po-^.ession of themselves, But, 

2d. '' They shall inherit the carih^ It does not say, 
they shall have much of the earth ; but '^ inherit " it. 
They shall have a peaceable and quiet possession in it ; 
it shall be to them a land of Canaan ; whi?h wa> typical 
of that rest which they enjoy : Heb. iv. 9 : Deut. xxvi. 
11. Neither shall their inheritance below be any the 
less for their laying up treasures above. The meek stand 
above present things and look at eternal things : 2 Cor. 
iv. 18. Their inheriting the earth does not keep them 
from Christ ; that would be ungrateful ; but leads them 
to Christ, to tell him they are thankful. C!n*ist, at the 
worst, is better than the world at the best : Piiil. iii. 7. 8. 

O happy frame of mind! thattlun secures heaven and 
inherits earth. " [3!cssefl," truly blessed, "' arc the 
meck,'^ who, however ill men may treat them, treat all 
men wtll ; who are always thankful in the possession of 
what they hav<' of the earth ; well knowing, that when 
God withhohU ()n'» ihiui^ froii them, his design is to give 
a better to th 'ui. It is true, we cannot say they are 
perfect in holini'ss — liavi* no doubts — that liieir bles- 
sedness is never interruj)te(l ; but after all th(»y arc blessed 
in their coiulition ; for tlu'y an* supported, instructed, in^ 
hcrit the earth now, ami shall in the end inherit all things?. 



36 OF A BLESSING UPON THE CHILDREN OF THE GOOD. 

"In the fear of the Lord is strong ronfidence ; and his children 
shall have a place of refuge." Pi;o verbs xiv. 26. 

The wicked flee when no man pursueth ; but the 
righteous are bold as a Hon : Prov. xxviii. 1. Here 
we have a double consolation, 

First, '^ la the fear of the Lord is strong confidences^ 
Sin makes man a coward ; but " the fear of the Lord," 
that is, personal piety and practical holiness, toward 
God and man ; or, lioliness in heart and life : 1 Kin. 
xviii. 3 : or, in other words, true Religion, inspires its 
possessor with strong confidence ; not in himself, but, 
in God : Eph. iii. 12, The man who fears the Lord 
has nothing else to fear. 2d. In poverty he has ronfi- 
dence, and doubts not but the Lord, whom he endeavors 
to fear, or serve, will feed him : Ps. xxxvii. 3. Gracious 
principles produce holy actions ; hence arises serenity of 
mind, and strong confidence. 3d. In persecution he 
fears not man ; but rejoices that he is counted worthy 
to suffer in so good a cause : Acts v. 41. The cruelty 
of man never leads him to doubt the mercy of God. 
4th. LTnder temptations, religion gives strong confidence, 
that the Lord will lay no more upon him than he is able 
to bear : 1 Cor. x. 13 : and will in due time deliver 
him. 5th. In sickness, and pain, when all human help 
fails, the fear of the Lord gives strong confidence in his 
unshaken promise : Ps. xli. 3. And 6th. In the trying 
hour of death, there is strong confidence in the fear of 
the Lord : Ps. xxiii. 4. 

Secondly, ^' His children shall have a place of 
refugeJ^ Believers are all the children of the Lord, by 
regeneration and adoption ; John i. 12 : Rom. viii. 15. 
And '^ His children shall have a place of refuge," in him : 
Ps. xlvi. J . And let not the confidence of this God- 
fearing father shake, for " his children " shall not be left 
defenceless. Are you a parent ? Let not your confi- 
dence fail you on account of your children, even should 
you not see your prayers answered in their behalf; your 
prayers, and tears, shall not be forgotten before God ; 
though your children may seem to live regardless of all 
you can say or do. Your admonitions and example will 
live after you are dead. You may with confidence 
leave them with the Lord : Jer. xlix. IL 



OF A BLESSING UPON THE CHILDREN OF THE GOOD. 37 
•' The prosnisc is to you and your cliildren.' Acts ii. 39. 

When God entered into Covenant with Abraham, 
he promised, not only to be a God unto him, but his 
seed also : Gen. xvii. 7. And declared that in him all 
families of the earth should be blessed : Gen. xii. 3. 
And Peter, wlien addressing the Jews who had long had 
an interest in the Covenant, and wore the seal of it, 
reminded them of this fact. '^ Th^: promise " of the 
remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, '' is to 
you ; " as inueh as ever it was to them ; '- and to your 
children " as mueh as ever it was to theirs : Isa. xliv. 3. 
Let every believer in Christ do by their children as 
Abraham did by his, and they shall find that the promise 
is not confined to the Jews, but was extended even to 
all that are afar off: Gen. xviii. 19. 

No matter how far from God your children may appear 
to be, God is able to make his call reach them ; and the 
grace that found you out is able to find out them ; and 
you have no rooai to doubt but it will : Prov. xx. 7. 
You cannot give your children grace ; but remember 
God can : Jer. xxxii. 29. When endeavoring to culti- 
vate the minds of your children, you may often have to 
sow the seed in sorrow ; but that is no proof it will never 
spring up : Ps. cxxvi. 5. You can trust the Lord with 
yourself, and are not afraid to venture both soul and 
body upon him ; and why not trust him with your children? 
Ps. xxxvii. 25, 2G. Continue to instruct them, to the best 
of your ability ; teach tliem to know themselves ; to know 
God, in the several relations in which He stands to them ; 
to know Chi'ist, in his person an 1 offices ; to know the 
Scriptures whicli are abk^. to ma'vc them truly wise, in 
the way of Salvation: 2 Tim. iii. J 5, IG : John xiv. G. 
Set them a good example ; ))ray with them, ami for 
them ; and put them upon praying for themseh es ; and, 
having done all you can, leave the event with God ; 
never doubling but it will be well with tluMU, both hero 
and hereafier, " For the pronTHO is to you and your 
children.'' Jer.xx xii. 39. iMuli^avor all that in you lies, 
to make your children ac(|uainled with the firt, that this 
promise belongs to all of them. The promises of GoJ 

are sure. 

4# 



38 OF A BLESSING UPON THE FAMILIES OF THE GOOD, 

" The bouse of the righteous shall stand." Prov. xii. 7. 

The grave is the house appointed for all living: Job. 
XXX. 23 : and the body is a house for the soul : 2 Cor. 
V. i 5 the former of these houses shall be destroyed : 
Hos. xiii. 14: and the latter shall crumble to dust: 
Job. xxxiv. 15 : but " The house,'' the household, or 
family, " oj the righteous shall stand ;" Acts x. 2. 
And no wonder ; for how is it possible for that house to 
fall, which has the upholder of the universe for its prop ? 
Matt. vii. 24. Whatever may become of others, it shall 
be well with the righteous, or, he who fears God, and his 
house: Gen. vii. 1. All who sustain the character, 
righteous, may rest assured the promise belongs to them ; 
and, that their famihes are under the special protection 
of heaven ; therefore, no real evil can come nigh their 
dwelling : Job. v. 24. The providence of God may- 
change often, but the promiises of God change never. 

The righteous have wisdom to govern their families 
aright ; and family-piety is sure to bring family-blessings : 
Ps, cxxviii. 3 — 6. Death may remove a righteous 
man from his house, but his " house shall stand ; '^ his 
family shall be kept up ; his name shall not be forgotten ; 
and his generation shall be blessed : Ps. cxii. 2. Look 
upon your own righteousness as filthy rags ; while you 
live by faith on Christ your Righteousness. 

Be careful to know^, that, through Christ, you are 
righteous in the sight of God ; and then, by faith, lay 
hold of the promises of God. There are many who look 
like saints in God's house, who live like sinners in their 
own house : Eph. v. 12. A righteous man is a new 
man : 2 Cor. v. 17 : and, consequently, has put off the 
old man with his deeds : Col. iii. 9. The path of the 
righteous may be dark, but the word of God is his lamp : 
Ps. cxix. 195. His enemies may be numerous and 
formidable, but the Lord is his shield : Ps. xxxiii. 20. 
How then, can it be possible for his house to fall, while 
it is so well supported ? Tempests may howl, storms 
arise, and foes beset it, but after all that can be done, 
" The house of the righteous shall stand." The rigors 
of superstition are from man. The voice of God, is, fly 
misery : live and be happy. 



OF A BLESSING UPON THE FAMILIES OF THE GOOD. 39 

*' The Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you 
from evil." 2 Thess. iii. 3. 

It is the duty and privilege of all Christians, not only 
to pray to God, but to trust in him. Observe, 

1st. What encouragement we have to put our trust 
in the Lord : '' The Lord is faithfalJ^ He is faithful 
to his promises ; he neither can nor will forget them. 
The Lord's saying of it is his doing of it ; when once 
the promise is made the performance is sure to follow : 
Heb. vi. 18. He is faithful in all the relations in which 
he stands related to us ; as a faithful God, and a faithful 
Friend ; who was never known to disappoint one who 
trusted in him : Ps. xxii. 4 — 5. 

2d. What that good is, we may expect from the Lord, 
1st. Establishment : What a consolation is this to the 
poor trembling believer ; who, from a sense of his own 
weakness, is constantly crying, " O how unstable I am ! 
I am afraid that evil will, some time or other, prove my 
ruin ! " Should this be your case, you would do well 
to remember, it was grace that saved you from evil ; and 
were you no better kept than what you can keep your- 
self, you would soon sell your birth-right, and make a 
shipwreck of faith and a good conscience : Eph. ii. 8. 9. 
The Lord has engaged to establish, to fix, settle, and 
confirm you ; and that should silence all your fears. 
He will direct, assist, and bless your undertaking : Ps. 
ex. 17. You have a corrupt deceitful heart, that would 
constantly deceive and lead you into evil : Jer. xvii. 9 : 
but let not that trouble you. For, " The Lord shall 
establish you, and kccj) you from cviiy The promise 
is ma(l(i to you, and you need not be conccrncHl about 
the performance of it : Matt. v. 18. He will not only 
keep your own person, but all that appertains unto you : 
Prov. xiv. II. He n^gards your's on your account; 
and you may depend upon his keeping you, and all you 
commit to his (*:ir(\ in ptM'fect safety ; for *' The fjord 
isfaithfuiy Thi; evil of sin is iht' greatest of all cavils ; 
and you need fear no evil so long as you are kept from 
that evil. R(MU(Mnb(T there is a wide diHerencM^ between 
your living in evil aiul evil living in you : J{om. vii. 
21 — '2iJ. Love the Lord — be afraid of sin — and 
ashamed of your unbelief. 



CHAPTER II. 



PROMISES RELATING TO TROUBLES L\ LIFE : 



IN GENERAL. 



OF PKE5ERVATI0X FRO:.! EVIL. 



There sliall no evil happen to the just : Prov. xii. Ql. 

The way of religion is a safe, pleasant, comfortable, 
and profitable way. Where grace reigns in the heart, 
it produces a holy security and serenity of soul ; it ena- 
bles a man to hold fast his integrity and peace, whatever 
happens ; and gives him boldness before God and the 
world : Acts iv. 13. Whoever is careful to be sincerely 
just (righteous) may, in the midst of abounding calamity, 
rely upon the promises of a righteous God who has en- 
gaged that '-no evil'' shall happen to them. 

^' The just'^ may have troubles, yea, many troubles; 
yet, to them, those troubles have '•' no evil'^ in them : Ps. 
, xci. 10. The Lord, by the power of his grace, that 
principle of justice in them, keeps them from sin ; so that 
ihoucrh they may be tempt 3d, they shall not be overcome 
by the temptation : I Co.\ x. 13. '* The just^'' being 
satisfied they are in the path of their duty to God and 
man. feel themselves relieved from an oppressive burden ; 
it being their privilege to leave all consequences with 
God: Ps. xxxvii. 5. Be not discouraged; whatever 
happens thee, whether sickness,. pove;ty. crosses, disap- 
pointments, persecution, or losses. '^ ;io ei'il'^ shall, no 
evil can happen thee ; He shall deliver thee in six troub- 
les ; yea. in seven, there shall no evil touch thee : Job 
V. 19. Fear no evil but the evil of sin. 



OF PRESERVATION FROM EVIL. 41 

"I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but 
that tliou sliouldst keop them from the evil." John xvii. 15. 

Our advocate with the Father is intimately acquainted 
with our wants, burdens, dangers, weaknesses, and diffi- 
culties ; and we should, therefore, fear 7io evil but sin. 
Our spiritual enemies, it is true, are numerous and for- 
midable ; but we have nothing to fear from them ; nor 
from anything else that may come upon us, over which 
we have no control ; since Christ has prayed that we 
might be preserved from evil. Observe, 

First, the prayer itself: 1st. He prays, '' ^ot that they 
should be taken out of the world." No, for many im- 
portant ends are answered by christians being continued 
in the woi'ld. Through tlieir continuance, in the world 
its conversion is promoted. They are the lii^ht of the 
V)orld ; and men boholding their good works, are led to 
glorify the Father of mercies : Matt. v. 14 — 16. The 
world is corrupted, and christians, through their contin- 
uance in it, are, as the salt of the earth, the means of 
preserving it from further corruption : Matt. v. 13. The 
doctrines of the gospel which they spread, as salt, are 
penetrating, quick, and powerful: Heb. iv. V2: reach 
the heart : Acts ii. 37 ; are relishing, cleansing, and pre- 
serve from putrc^faotion. All other knowledge is very 
insipid without them: 2 Cor. ii. 14. The gospel is an 
everlasting gospel, and an everlasting covenant is called 
a covenant of salt : Numb, xviii. 19. Notice, 2d. For 
what Christ docs pray. He prays that they might be 
^^kept from the evil ; " and for this he has taught us to 
pray : Matt. vi. 13. He does not here pray, that tliey 
miLchtbe kept from poverty, afllietion, and pain, but from 
''the evil. " 

Secondly. The present situation of Cliristians. — 
Whilst here they are mixed with ungodly men, living in 
the same house, following tlu^ same* business, and exposed 
to the sanu' temptations, lint though th(*y are in the 
world, and have lo do ulili it, they are not of it: John 
XV. 19. Through gra'-r they art* kept from the evil one : 
I Pet. v. H; from tlu^ evil (hinij^ ; and from tin* evil o( 
an evil world : (lal. i. 1. Christ hatii prayed for you. 
Away with your unbelief; admire, and adore that Saviour 
who prays for you; I John ii» i. 



42 OF SUPPORT UNDER TROUBLE. 

" God is our refuge and strength, a very pres3nt help in trouble. '* 
Ps. xlvi. 1. 

'' God/' who is self-existent, consequently indepen- 
dent of, and far superior to, every other creature, *' is 
our refuge ; " and to Him we may have recourse. Here 
we are taught, to triumph in God. Are we pursued by 
our eneniies ? '' God is our refuge, " to whom we can 
flee, and in whom we are safe: Prov. xviii. 10. Not- 
withstanding our past sins, and present unwortliiness, 
infinite wisdom. Almighty power, and unbounded good- 
ness, is still our refuo:e. Our father, fi^iend, and God, is 
our refuge ; our tower : our hiding-place ; and to him we 
have fvee access at all times, and under every circum- 
stance, through His beloved Son, our elder brother: 
John, xiv. 6. 

Tioubles you may, yea, will have, of one kind or other ; 
but remember, God teaches some of his best lessons in the 
school of affliction : and though you cannot live without 
them, you may live above them. '^ God is our refuge ; " 
and to vvhom should a creature go but to his Creator — a 
child but to his father — a sinner but to his Saviour — or 
a dependent but to his kind benefactor? Indeed, to remove 
all our scruples, it is made a part of our religion to apply to 
God as our refuge: Ps. 1. 15. But we ought to go 
humbly, confessing our sins: Jer. xiv. 7. Reforming 
our lives: James iv. 8. Are our enemies strong, and 
our troubles (!;reat ? He is our '- strength, ^^ to bear us 
up under every trouble, and fit us for every burden. If 
we are distressed, he is our '- heljj, " Not a heljy at a 
distance, but. a present help. A help at hand. A 
tried-help. There never was, nor can we desire, a bet- 
ter help. Whenever God helps it is always with a dead- 
lift. See Ps. cxlv. 18 ; Ps. xviii. 30; Heb. xiii. 5.— 
He has been tried lono: and often ; and was never known 
to fail ; and is the same now as ever ; so that we have 
nothing to fear while '' God is our refuge ; " nor any- 
thing to doubt ^^'hile he is our ^^ strength ; " but have 
all things to hope while God is our '' help ; " and cause 
for rejoicing that he 25, not only a present help, but a 
'• VERY present help in troubles. " Troubles of all 
kinds, sorts, and sizes ; no matter how, whence, or wdien 
they come. 



OF SUPPORT UNDER TROUBLE. 43 

*' My grace is sufficient for thee." 2 Cor. xii. 9. 

We are not to expect the pure enjoyments of heaven 
while on earth ; we should therefore, be more careful to 
enumerate what is for us, than what is against us. Our 
sorrows may be many, but our mercies are more ; and 
though, like Paul, we may find troubles on every side, 
the pit is never so deep but we may look up it : Ps. xl. -2. 
Whatever might have been the Apostle's affliction, we 
know it was a peculiar one. There was given unto him 
a thorn in the flesh, and a messenger of Satan to buffet 
him. It was such a trouble as the goodness of God 
would not suffer him to remove ; but still, the prayer of 
faith was not in vain ; for though the burden was not 
removed from his back, hi^ back wa^ fitted to the burden ; 
and he received this gracious answer: ^' My grace is 
sufficient for thceJ^ We may not be suffering precisely 
as the Apostle was ; but every christian has his thorn 
in the fl^sh : Heb. xii. 1. 

God sometimes answers prayer in wrath : Numb. xi. 
4, 5, 31 — 33 : and sometimes denies in mercy : 2 Cor. 
xii. 7 — 9. Our afflictions may be considered in two res- 
pects: 1st. In ih'Av ajipointjiunt. The Lord liolds all 
creatures in his hand, and can correct and control their 
agency. He is the wise disposer of all events, and orders 
all things for the good of all his creatures : liom. viii. 28. 
Never let us stop at second causes; but mount in our 
reflections to that gracious Being who sits at the helm of 
affairs ordering all things after tlie counsel of His 0'\n 
Vvill. 2(1. In their ^/(^/^'•/f. Afflictions are as fre(|uently 
designed to prevent our falling into evil, as they are to 
recover us after we have fallen : Ps. cxix. 71. It mat- 
ters not what i^'6?/r troubles are; for, if it is for your good, 
God will remove them; and, if not, you will find the 
supporting grace of God ** is bufiicient ; '' and He will 
lay no more upon you, than what He enables you to 
bear: I Cor. x. 13. Wherever the Lord gives i^Tf/rr, 
He is sure to try grace ; but be not discouraged at the 
cross. Draw sw eet consolations from all your afflictions : 
2 Cor. iv. 17. Troubles are never comfortable, but 
always profitable : Heb. xii. IL In all \our troubles 
and jdHictions, put your hand of faith upon, *' My j^Tacc 
is sufficient for thec.^^ 



44 or SUPPORT UNDER TROUBLE. 

" Cast thy burden upon the Lord and he shall sustain thee." 
Ps. Iv. 22. 

Grace reigns through the righteousness of Christ ; 
^nd all the mercy and iavor we receive from God is in 
a way of righteousness. The soul having fallen from a 
state of innocency in the first Adam, till it has a know- 
ledge of being restored in Jesus the second Adam, can 
never be happy ; but we enjoy the knowledge and com- 
fort that we are righteous before God through faith in 
Christ : Rom. v. 1. Care is a trouble, and trouble is a 
burden which makes the heart stoop : Prov. xii. 25. 
Observe, 

1st. Our troubles, though w^e see them coming from 
God, must drive us to God, and not drive us from him. 
^^ Cast thy burden upon the Lord ; " Cast it upon Him 
by faith and prayer ; commit thy w^ay and works to Him : 
Ps. xxxvii. 5. Stay thyself on his providence and pro- 
mise ; and be easy in the assurance that all is w^orking 
for thy good : Ps. cxxxviii. 7. Cast thy whole burden 
upon Him ; as thy troubles come one at a time, take 
them to, and cast them u_pon, the Lord. Enter into thy 
closet, lay all thy troubles before Him ; and, on leaving 
thy closet, be sure to bring not thy troubles away with 
thee ; but leave them with the Lord : Nahum i. 7. 
Whenever we take our burden to the Lord, unless we 
leave it with him, the burden becomes heavier and we 
grow weaker. 

2d. The encouragement given : '' He shall sustain 
ihee.'^ Precious assurance ! He shall, not may, nor 
perhaps, but He shalL Do what ? Sustain thy burden ? 
Yea, more than that ; " He shall sustain thee ; " and 
thy burden into the bargain : Ps. xxvii. 14. He has 
not promised immediately to free thee, but sustain thee : 
I Cor. X. 13. God had one Son without sin ; but He 
never had one without suffering : Heb. xii. 6. '' Cast 
thy burden now upon the Lord ; " for He will never be 
more willing to sustain thee,^' than he now is. When 
the Lord uses corrections. He only designs to convey 
instructions. Never did a tender nurse sustain an infant 
in her arms w ith greater care, than the Lord will sustain 
thee in the arms of his power: Isa. xlix. 15. He will 
strengthen thy spirit by His spirit. 



OF SUPPORT UNDER TROUBLE. 45 

** God is niidiful, whf» will not sufTer you to be tempted abovo 
that ye are able ; but will witli the tenii)tation also make a way for 
your escape." 1 Cor. x. 13. 

We live in a world of temptations beset with snares 
on every hand ; in every place, condition, employment, 
relation, and enjoyment, our faith is exposed to trials ; 
but this should in no way discourage us ; for either our 
trials will be proportioned to our strength, or our strength 
to our trials. G;eat comfort is to be drawn from this 
precious passage ! For, 

1st. '^ God is foilhjuiy Satan may be a deceiver, 
but God is true. Men may be false, and the world 
treacherous ; but God, in whom is our strength, will 
never fail us : Ps. Ixxxix. 33. Do not look at your own 
unfaithfulness, but at God's faithfulness. Bear in mind, 

2d. He is wise as well as faithful. He knows what 
you can bear better than you do ; distrust not his grace 
and faithfulness ; for He " ivill not suffer you to be 
tempted (tried) above that ye are able : '' Heb. xi. 17. 
Difliculties in your way should never discourage you, 
since God w ill tLd<:e good care they shall never be too 
great for you to encounter. Rely upon his faithfulness. 
And, 

3d. Mark well the issue : '' Will with the temptation 
(or trial) make a ivay for your escape, ^^ You may be 
so surrounded with troubles and dilKculties that there 
may appear to be no way left for your escape ; but that 
is no proof that such is the case ; and, admitting there is 
now no way, God will make a way for your escape. 
There is no valley so deep and dark but God can find 
a way through it. You may even be so troubled as to 
become weary of life: Job x. 1 : but God will preserve 
your life, and sup|)ort yoin* strength. There c^iii be no 
afHiction so grievous, nor any trouble so great, but Ho 
can prevrnt, remove, or enable us to bear ; and, in thtt 
(Mid, over ndc to our advantage : Kom. viii. "2H. But 
unbelici' might l)e ready to ask, how? while faith cries 
out, that is fatluM-'s business ! and all I know about it, 
is, G(mI hath said it, and will a-suriMlly do it: Dan. iii. 
17, IH. A child of (iod is a child of troubles, and should 
always tak(^ his troubles to God : Ps. rvii. G. M(mi aru 
fickle ; your heart is deceitful ; but *' (iod is faithjui*' 



46 OF DELIVERANCE FROM TROUBLE. 

"Call upon me in the day of trouble : I will deliver ihee, and 
thou shall glorify nie." Fs. 1. 15. 

Human nature is constantly hatching its fears and un-* 
belief, in anxious questions concerning to-morrow ; or 
some threatening trouble ; but Christ says, " Let not 
your heart be troubled/' A good word maketh the 
heart glad: Prov. xii. 25* Poor troubled Christian, 
here is a good word for thee. 

1st. "• Call upon me f^ be sure you mind that pre- 
cious invitation ; for our troubles must never keep us 
from God ; but lead or drive us to him_. Call upon 
whom you will beside* let nothing jjrevent your calhng 
upon God. Be not afraid of calling at an unseasonable 
hour ; for you will always find Him sealed upon a throne 
of grace, in constant readiness to attend upon all calls 
that are made upon him: Ps. xxxiv. 15. 

2d. Observe the time when you are invited, yea, 
commanded, to call upon him ; '- In the day of trouhlc^ 
Troubled soul, do mind the time ! While in health, 
ease, affluence, and honor, you may scarcely be able to 
walk through a street w ithout meetino- wdth the invitation, 
'' call upon me ; " but under a reverse of circumstances, 
^' ill the day of irouble,^^ it may happen, that, you may, 
not only wear out your shoes, but also your feet, without 
meeting an earthly friend who would sympathize w^ith 
you and say, '^ call upon me."' But ihe Lord urges 
upon you to call upon Him ; even when every other 
friend may have forsaken you, and every other refuge 
have failed you : Ps. xx.xiv. 17. Call upon him in the 
full expectation of not calling in vain. For, 

3d. The ^Yomhe is, '' I will deliver thee y He will 
not put you off with, ''' Can't you call again." No, but 
will, positively, '^ deliver theeJ'^ This is a cheap way 
of obtaining deliverance : Isa.lv. 1: nevertheless, it is 
a sure way : Matt, xi* 28. Others, on whom you may 
call, may tell you how sorry they are for you ; but the 
^^ Lord will deliver youJ\ And now^, 

4th, Notice all He expects from you in return ; 
'^ Thou shalt glorify me,^' This you must do ; not only 
by telling of his goodness, but, by living to his glory. 
He has alw ays delivered all who called upon him, and 
will deliver thee : Jer. xxix. XL 



OF DELlVERAxNCE FROM TROLTBLE. 47 

*' Tlio Lord knoweth Iiow lo deliver tlie godly out of temptations." 
2 Peter ii. U. 

This is a living comfort in the saddest seasons ; the 
Lord knows both our sorrows and the cause of them. 
He follows us, though we ha^-e cared so little for him ; 
and comforts us though we have grieved him. It is the 
duty of all who live ''godly " to look out and prepare 
for temptations, (or troubles) seeing they are a part of 
their legacy : Jolm xvi. 33 : and the way to heaven lies 
through them : Rev. vii. 14. The Lord knows the godhj 
wherever they may be, and though there may be but 
one in five cities, that one shall not be forgotten : 2 Pet. 
ii. 6, 7. Observe, 

1st. The character given of those who look for deliv- 
erance, '''the godly, ''^ A godly man, having obtained 
grace from God, makes it his business to glorify God; 
by worshipping him, and imitating him : Ps. xii. 1 : Ti- 
las ii. 12. Only be careful to sene God., and never 
doubt of his serving you. The people of God are fre- 
quently so hedged about with troubles, that they can see 
no prospect of (h^liverance. But, 

2d. '' The Lord Icnowcih how to deliver ; " even when 
short-siglited man can see no way, He sees many ways: 
La. Iv. 8, 9. Infiuite wisdom can never be at a loss for 
a way to deliver the godly. But remember it is God's 
work to deliver the godly ; and he knoweth how. Can 
you, then, for a moment doubt of his w illingness ? Name 
a sitigle instance, if you can, in which he either want- 
ed tlie will or the way. Throughout the whole course 
of your life, do you ever recollect having one trouble 
from wdiich he did not deliver you ? Not one. Thvn 
why doubt now? Is the arm of the Lord shortcMUMl 
that he cannot save? or his ear become heavy that ho 
cannot hear? Isa. lix. 1. Mercy^s fountain is not dried 
U|), though the (iod of inrrcy may appi^ar to be silent: 
Matt. XV. 23. livery otlier ))oil may be closed against 
you ; l)ut the port of heaven is alw ays open ; and you 
may venture to nm in tiiere with your lialf-w recked bark ; 
€\nd lie in prrfect safety: Job viii. 20, 21. Fear not 
\vhil<' you have bn^ith to pray ; for the L)ni knowt^tli 
bow to deliver >ou. The Lord may chide bitterly, and 
i^trike heavily, \shile he loves you dearly : lleb. xii, (>, 



48 OF DELIVERANCE FilOM TROUBLE. 

" Cnn a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not 
have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, 
yet will I not forget thee." Isa. xlix. 15. 

Christian, is thy heart pained within thee on account 
of its own wickedness ? That is a godly sorrow which 
the wricked are strangers to ; but is one of the greatest 
afflictions of the righteous. The troubles of the believer 
in Clirist are frequently like poor Job's messengers, one 
treading upon the heels of another. Tiiis may be now 
thy case ; and thou mayest be tempted to believe the 
Lord hath forgotten thee. Away with your fears ; 
and behold the tender regard that God has for his 
people ! He seems to consider his glory reflected 
upon, if, in their trouble, they should only think 
that he has forgotten them. Do but hear him ! ' Can 
a looman, '' one of the tender sex, a mother, '^forget 
her sucking child ? " Look at that snriling babe hang- 
ing at the breast of its tender mother ! See how^ she 
loves it ! how dehghted with it, it is part of herself; she 
loves it, she suffered for it ; can she forget it ? Will she 
lend a deaf ear to its infant cries, and refuse to administer 
to its wants? Is it possible? Yea, it is possible. A 
woman may be so heavily afflicted as to ''forget her 
sucMng child, " There have been such monsters, in 
the shape of w^omen, as to have no compassion on their 
little offspring. Therefore, the Father of mercies says, 
" yea, they may forget, ^^ But to remove all the surmises 
of human nature, immediately adds, " yet will I not 
forget thee, " A \yoman may forget that she is a mother, 
yet God w ill never forget that he is a Father : 2 Cor. vi. 18. 
So that, while you are in trouble, you may expect God 
will support you under it ; and, when he sees it will be 
for your good, deliver you from it . Ps. Ixxi. 20. 

Be not over anxious to get rid of your present trouble ; 
for a deliverance from one trouble only makes room for 
another ; Matt. vi. S4., A man carried by the grace of 
God vvrill ride easily over a rough road. Afflictions,, like 
medicines, are few of them sweet, but all of them good : 
Ps. cxix. 7L In time of peace we are apt to let our 
armor go rusty, but in w^ar we keep it bright. Is the 
tender infant part of its mother ? It is — and so are w^e 
members of Christ's body : Eph. v, 30, 



or DELIVERANCE FROM TROUBLE. 49 

" In all thoFG things wo are more than conquerors, through him 
that hath loved us." Rom. viii. 37. 

Will any poor forlorn soul say, My Lord hath for- 
saken me ; and I shall sink in my trouble ? True, thou 
mayest deserve it ; but the Lord deals not with thee 
after that sort ; though thou art a sinner, a backsliding 
sinner, a hell-deserving sinner, the very chief of sinners, 
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners : 1 Tim. 
i. 15. And still, his name is Jesus. And, '^ in all these 
things^'' — What things ? Tribulation, distress, persecu- 
tion, famine, nakedness, peril, sword ; in all these things 
*^ we are more than conquerors ; " for though troubled, 
yea, killed, we a**e sure of victory. This may appear 
a strange way ; but it is God's way : Ps. cxlv. 14 : and 
must, therefore, be a good way. We conquer, though 
we die ; yea, we more than conquer; for we triumph. 
Our Captain brings all his men out of the field, without 
losing any thing that is valuable : 2 Cor. iv. 17, 18. 
Gold is refined in the furnace of fire ; the Christian, in 
the furnace of affliction : 1 Pet. i, 7. Many have con- 
quered in the flames, in the dungeon, on the rack, and 
under the axe. Surely then, you have no cause to fear: 
Isa. li. 17. If victory over your sufferings depended 
upon yourself, you would have too much cause to fear; 
but that is not the case ; for we are assured we are 
conquerors only '' through him who hath loved W5." 
Mark that ! It is in the strength of Christ, and through 
Christ, that we are more than a match for all that troub- 
les and opposes us ; he having overcome for us : John 
xvi. 83. We cannot live without suffering, but it is our 
privilege to live above it ; "through him who hath loved 
us.'' Nm^'r measure your troubles by the ])ain they 
cause, but by the end lh(^y accomplish: Hel). xii. 11. 

Jteason not with iml)(»lief; give credence to the word 
of your Saviour; he has been with you in |)ast troul)Ies; 
and has cni;ag(Ml not to h^ave you in this: Ps. xlii. II. 
Deliverance will assuredly come* when needful : Job. vi. 
19. The word of the I^ord abideth forever; His cove- 
nant is sure ; His love is unchangeable; and His prom- 
ises are innnutabh^. Draw nigh unto bin) in the full as- 
surance of faith ; and your night of trouble will be turn- 
ed into joyous day : Ps. xxx. 5. 
5-* 



50 OF DELIVERANCE FROM SICKNESS. 

*' Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler and 
from the noisome pestilence.." Ps. xci 3. 

Christian, never forget that your carnal reason is a 
home-bred foe, a domestic enemy, that constantly opposes 
the truths of your God, with, IIow can these things be ? 
and disputes your Lord's command, with, Hath the Lord 
required this ? and wants them all explained according 
to the rules of carnal conception. Often has this foe 
caused your hands to hang down Avhen they ought to 
have been lifted up in prayer : 1 Tim. ii. 8. Discard 
it ; treat it as an enemy to your soul's comfort, and your 
Lord's glory. The antidote is faith in the Redeemer. 

A believer in Christ is ahvays safe ; because he is 
kept by Christ: John xvli. 12. Many are the snares 
which are laid for you, and into v/hlch you would un- 
warily fall, and which would prove fatal to you, but for 
your kind deliverer. Dangers are often nearest to us, 
when we are the least apprehensive of them ; and. like 
the poor bird, we are ignorant of the ^' snare of the Jo w- 
ler,^'' And it is all owing to a kind, a gracious, and a 
watchful Providence, that our natural life has been spared : 
Jobxxxiii. 24 — 26. Our spiritual life also has been pre- 
served by divine grace ; in the hour of temptation we 
have been "delivered from the snare of the Joivler :^^ 
Col. iii. 3. Why should yqu be alarmed, on account of 
prevailing sickness ? you have hitherto been kept "from 
the noisome pestilence " Vv hich has carried off so many 
thousands, yea, millions, of our fellow mortals, in differ- 
ent parts of the earth ; and the promise shall hold good ; 
^- Surely he shall deliver thee ;" Jer. xxxiii. 6. Our 
souls too have been delivered '^ from the noisome pesti- 
lence," sin;" Ps. ciii. 3. Death may ride in triumph, 
and disease rage all around ; yet, " surely he shall deliver 
thee^ Every arrow that Death hurls has its commis- 
sion ; the Egyptians may have death in every house, and 
the Assyrian army be all cut off in one night ; still, 
Israel is safe: Ps. Ixviii. 20. God often afflicts our 
bodies, that we might the better know what is in our 
hearts. Hard weather will try our health, but sickness 
tries our grace : 1 Pet. i. 6, 7. Wait on the Lord, be 
of good courage, and he shall strengthen thy heart ; wait^ 
I say, on the Lord : Ps. xxvii. 14. 



OF DELIVERANCE FROM SICKNESS. 51 

*' The prnyor of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall 
raise him up." James v. 15. 

This, poor afHicted soul, is thy happiness below, thy 
heaven upon earth, to have access to the Father of con- 
solations in all tliy afflictions. When God, and Clirist, 
and heaven are within, it matters hut little what is witliout. 
Here we have the duty of an afflicted child sweetly con- 
nectied with the Father's gracious assurance. Observe, 

1st, It is not a faint, cold, formal, and indifferent 
prayer, that is here spoken of ; but " the prayer of faith ;" 
not only on the part of the person praying, but also on 
the part of those prayed for. Faitliful prayer is powerful 
and prevailing prayer : Exod. xxxii. 9 — 14. The pray- 
er of fliith '' shall save the sick ;" that is. if God sees it 
will be for the good of the sick, and he has any thing 
farther for them to do in this world ; and if not, faith and 
prayer will not prevail ; neither would a humble believer 
desire that it should be otherwise, than just as Father 
would have it: Job xiii. 15. Sin is the cause of sick- 
ness ; we ought, therefore, to pray for the removal of sin, 
rather than for the removal of our own, or others' sick- 
ness : Ps. xli. 4. 

2d. See also the success that attends tlie faithful 
prayer ; ^' The Lord shall raise him up.^^ So that, you 
perceive, it is the I^ord's work to raise up as well as to 
pull down : Ps. cvii. 25. And well it is for us, that it 
is the Ijord's work ; for He i^^ infinite in wisdom : and 
can, therefore, make no mi.stake ; and His love is bound- 
less, consequently he cannot be unkind: Rom. viii. 3*2. He 
will nev(»r permit sickness to come upon any of his chil- 
dren, till He sees it needful for tluMU. Are you sick ? — 
If so, Father knows it; and is watcliing over you ; He 
knows how long you have been sick ; and how much 
you can bear; and will "^ raise yon vj)/' when H(^ seos 
you have been sick long enough. liCt the Lord's will 
be your will ; and ju(lg(* not of His love to you bv your 
lov(i to him. Sickm'ss should never trouble you ; but 
should always hinnble you: Lam. iii. 19, 20. You are 
not sick by chance : Job v. (J. Vou may be templed 
sorely, and have darkness over your soul, owing to your 
bodily aftliclions ; and this will grieve you worst of all ; 
but remember. Father knows you are but dust. 



52 OF SUPPORT UNDER SICKNESS. 

" The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing : 
ihou wilt make all his bed in his sickness." Ps. xli. 3. 

In this one verse is a plurality of comforts for a believer 
on a bed of sickness ; or with it in prospect ; they are to 
be enjoyed by faith, by every believing soul ; let us now 
look at them. Let the poor afflicted christian consider : 

1st. " The Lord tvill strengthen hiin,^^ both in body 
and mind ; and should he be too weak to sit up, being 
worn down by sickness, no matter : The Lord can, and 
will, do it '^ 2(r)07i the bed oj languishing ;" though he 
may have long lain ; and become wasted by sickness ; 
or reduced by racking pains ; God wdll assuredly enable 
him to bear up cheerfully under hi^ afflictions, and patient- 
ly wait the issue : Ps. Ixxiii, 26. 

3d. The Lord will be his nurse. He will not only 
be constantly with him in his sick-chamber, but will 
^'malce all his bed in his sickness ;" He will ^^ make allhis 
bed ;" wall shake it up, turn it over, and, from head to foot, 
make it very easy : even as a bed of health. O how soft 
must that bed be made by so good a hand ! so accustomed 
is He to making beds for his children, that, even a bed of 
straw. He makes to lie soft as down : Ps. cxvi. 6. The 
Lord lias nowhere promised, that you shall never be sick ; 
nor that you shall never be confined to a bed of languish- 
ing ; but he has promised to strengthen you in the one, 
and support you on the other. So that you need not 
fear being left to your own helplessness ; since He has 
engaged to attend you himself, in the capacity of Physi- 
cian and Nurse. Bear in mind, afflicted Christian, that 
while your heavenly Father afflicts you with one hand, 
he supports you with the other. When pain prevails 
over your weak frame, you may be tempted to think 
yourself forgotten ; that your rehgion is vain, and that 
you have been deceiving yourself ; but your affections 
prove that you are an object both of Satan's enmity and 
tlie Lord's fatherly discipline : Heb. xii. 6, 7. 

A stubborn and rebellious mind in a Christian, must 
be broudit low ; and if naked blessino-s do not humble 
us, they are sent disguised in afflictions. You are now 
called to be a hero, not in action, but in suffering ; you 
are in God's school under education ; where you are being 
instructed by chastisement. Bear it patiently. 



OF SUPPORT UNDER SICKNESS. 53 

"The trial of*yoiir faitli, being miirh more precious tli'in tliat of 
gold that perisheth, tliough it be tried with fire." Pet. i. 7. 

Many things may rob a Christian of his happy frame, 
yet nothing can deprive him of the foundation of his 
happiness ; for it is founded in tlie unchanireable love 
and truth of God. Hei-e is a stream flow in^; to the citi- 
zens of heaven from the shoreless ocean of God's love : 
Ps. xlvi. 1 — 5. Observe, 

1st. God's design is, not to destroy you. but. to refine 
you, and has afflicted you, for " the trial of your faith. ^^ 
Faith that is not tried is hardly worth calling '^faith,^'' The 
fire tries gold ; afflictions t?y faith. By the trial of your 
/a^^/i your Christianity is tried ; and without faith all our 
pretensions to religion are vain : Heb. xi. 6. There is a 
mock-faith, which, with some, passes for real faitli ; but, 
when tried, is always found to be good for nothing : and 
will not stand the fire. But your's is '' precious faith : " 
2 Pet. i. 1. A grain oi faith is worth a ton of gold. 
Yea, it is ''much more prccioai than gold ;" for this 
plain reason, '' gold perisheth f^ hut faith never will 
perish. Gold, ''though it be tried i the fire, ^' does not 
increase in the fire ; and faith does : James i. *^, It is 
not all gold that looks like gold ; neither is that all /J//rA 
which looks like faith ; the fire will prove them both. 
When the formalist is told that he must be tried, he cries 
out, " This is a hard saying ; who can bear it ? " John vi. 
60. But whcMi tlie believer is in the furnace he confi- 
dently says, WIkmi He hath tried me, I shall come forth 
as gold : Job. xxiii. 10. 

The Lord, in afflicting you, designs your good ; not 
your ruin. The most valuable, pure, useful, and durable 
of all metals, is tried-gold ; so is tried-faith among all 
the christian virtues. Tlie trial of both, gold and faith, 
is intended to seperate the dross from that w hieh is vaUi- 
able. (iold rather diminishes in th(» trial ; \)Ut faith is 
im|)rove(l, (established, and multiplied, by its oppositions 
and afflictions. The best of gold must perish at last ; 
Luke xxii. »^2. 'I'he enemy of your scnil may be p(M*mit- 
ted to go the full lengtfi of his chain, and greatly annov 
you during your sickness ; but he can go no farther; and 
a faithfid (iod w ill never sulleryou to be tcMupted bt^yond 
what you are able to bear, for '" the trial oj your Jaich 
is 2)rccious.^' 



54 OF SUPPORT IN OLD AGE. 

" And even to your old age, I am lie ; and even to hoar liairswill 
I carry you : I have made and I will bear, even I will carry, and 
will deliver you." Isa. xlvi. 4. 

Poor soul, art thou, not only almost at thy journey's 
end, but, perhaps too, at thy wits end ? Do men insult 
and Satan triumph over thee, till thou art almost drunk 
with trouble and intoxicated with affliction ? Are they 
accusing thee with being a hypocrite ; asking, now, w^here 
is thy religion ; and calling upon thee to bow down that 
they may go over thee ? Do they impudently ask thee, 
^' Where is thy God ? " and perplex thee till thou art al- 
most ready to ask thyself the same question ? Ps. xlii. 3. 
Here you have an answer to all such questions, from your 
God himself. '' I am He." I formed you ; gave your 
being ; sustained you while an helpless infant at the 
breast ; I marked your infant path with mercy ; regard- 
ed you, and brought you safely through the slippery 
path of youth ; conducted you in safety to manhood ; 
led you on to maturity ; '' jind even to your old age I 
am Ae.'" Though your strength might decay, my love 
shall not diminish : Jer. xxxi. 3. Infirmities may load 
your body, but my grace is sufficient : 2 Cor. xii. 9. 
I not only made you, but have redeemed you ; therefore 
'\Iivill hear^'' you ; yea, and more than that, when you 
cannot walk for old age and infirmity, " / will carry 
you-y Isa. xli. 14. Are you unfit for business ? let that 
give you no concern ; '' even to hoar hairs, ^^ your bread 
shall still be given you: Isa. xxxiii. 16. Are your 
friends grown weary of supporting you? still trust in 
me ; my friendship shall never grow cold ; Heb. xiii. 5. 
Are you desiring that some friend would come and 
^^ deliver you ?" '' I am Ae," who has brought you thus 
far on your journey through hfe: and I am not go- 
ing to leave you now you need my help most. You 
chan2:e often, but / chans^e never : Heb. i. 10 — 12. 
Let not your heart be troubled ; from all your griefs 
and infirmities, '' I will deliver you.^^ O, how does his 
grace shine in this gracious speech ! Canst thou help 
lovino; and adorino; so orracious a master? He never 
turns his servants off, to shift for themselves, in old age, 
No, for when they are unable either to work or w alk, 
be wall keep them if it be only to look at, 



OF SUPPORT IN OLD AGE, 55 

" And, lo, 1 am tviili you always, even unto the end of the world. 
Amen." ^lutt. xxviii. 20. 

All the promises of God, as well as the threatnings, 
were made to characters ; hence, we must al\^ ays know 
that we sustain the character before we lay our claim to 
the promise. This precious promise (or declaration) 
was made to the Apostles, and, as such, belongs to them 
exclusively ; but being made to them as ministers of the 
gospel may be claimed by all who truly sustain that 
character ; and bein^r given to them as disciples or 
christians, all the faithful followers of Christ have an 
equal claim to it. Let us then, aged so!dierof the cross, 
consider. 

First, the great privilege possessed by all real believers 
in Jesus, " 1 am with you always, " They have not 
only his g*C7zeraZ presence, which all have, but his special 
presence. 1st. His guiding presence. He guides his 
people, as he did Israel of old, through this world, which 
would be a dreary wilderness without his presence : Deut, 
viii. 2. He guides us by his providence and grace : 
John iii. 35 : his word and spirit: Isa.xlii. 16. And 2d. 
His protecting presence is with them ; so that you shall, 
not only be guided in the right way, but, be preserved 
from those enemies and snares which beset you : Ps. 
xlvi. i. Rest assured nothing can harm you while Christ 
is with you : 1 Pet. iii. 13. You may be bending under 
the weight of many years ; and worn down with cares ; 
but let none of those things trouble you. For, 3d. His 
sustaining presence is with you. He is your gracious 
Saviour, and has engaged to richly supply all your needs ; 
all you have to do, is to place your whole dependence 
u])on him, and ask, in his name, tlu* things you need : 
John xiv. 13, 14. And, 4i\\, You have his abiding 
presence. He is with you ahj'ays, ''even to the end of 
the ivorld, " So that you will have his company and aid 
to the end of your journey : Ps. Ixxiii. 24, And hence 
we may learn. 

Secondly. TIk^ happiness of believers. 1st. The 
presence? of Christ gives rest in this life: Mall. xi. 28, 
29 ; and peace that the world knows nothing of: John 
xvi. 33. And 2d. His presence gives victory over sin, 
death, and the grave: 1 Cor. xv. 55, 57. 



56 OF SUPPORT IN CHILD-BEARING. 

" He will love thee, and bless ihee, and multiply thee ; he will 
also bless the fruit of thy vvoiiib. " Deut. vii. 13. 

Permit me, dear sister, to remind thee of that near 
relation in which the God of all comfort stands to thee. 
For thy maker is thy husband : the Lord of hosts is his 
name : Isa. liv. 5. And what more can you desire to 
complete your happiness, than what he has promised ? 

1st, " He will love thee, " The Lord has loved thee ; 
and given unnumbered proofs of his love, and " Ile,^^ 
having fallen in love with thee, " ivill love thee : " 1 
John iv. 9, 10. ''He will love thee,^^ notwithstanding 
thou art so very homely in thy own eyes ; for he looks 
upon thee as a perfect beauty, through his comeliness 
which he has put upon thee: Ezek. xvi. 6 — - 14. 2d. 
Thou shalt have further proof of his love too, than mere 
words ; for '• He will bless thee, " yea, and thou shalt 
be blessed. Do not talk about ill-requited love, now, 
you have only to do better for the time to come ; and 
evince your love to him by keeping his commandments ; 
and the desire of your heart shall be granted ; Ps. xxxvii. 
4. For, 3d. ''He icill inulliply thee ;'' and, if he sees it will 
be for thy good, he will never suffer ihee to have an estate 
without an heir ; nor an heir without an estate. Let not 
your present trying situation cause you any uneasiness ; 
but rest assured, that he who formed thee knows well how 
to form thine. You know he has loved you ; and, in 
numberless instances blessed you, and interposed in your 
behalf; and you have a good j'ight to expect that he will 
bless yours ; for he says Ae will ; -and surely his word is 
sufficient to remove all your scruples and dispel your 
fears : Matt. xxiv. 35. 4th. He has blessed the tree, 
and says, " He tviil bless the fruit ; " so that he has put 
' the matter beyond dispute. He is acquainted with every 
ache and pain you feel; and when the time of your 
extremity arrives, " He loill love ihee, and bless thee 
and multiply thee ; he will also bless thejruit ; " and take 
the best of care of the tree. Your feehngs you cannot 
avoid ; they are peculiar to your present situation ; but 
it is your privilege to live above them ; though you 
cannot live without them. While it is your duty quietly 
to submit to your trial, let you fears be given to the winds : 
Isa. xh. 10. He will bless both thee and thine. 



OF SUPPORT IN CHILD-BEARING. 57 

*' Notwithstanding, she shall be saved in child-bearing, if tliey 
continue in failh, and ciiarity, and holiness, with sobriety. " I 
Tim. ii. 15. 

When in the midst of fears, in the sight of dangers, 
and in the dreadof destruction, it is our business to cease 
from self-confidence, attend to the v^oice of God, rely 
upon his promises, hope in his mercy, and quietly wait 
for his great deliverance: Lam. iii. 26. Standstill, 
sister, admire, adore, love, and confide in a gracious, 
wonder-working, sinner-saving Lord. For, '' notivith- 
standing ^^ the woman was first deceived by the tempter, 
and was the first to bring sin into our world, she also 
brought forth the Saviour ; and '' she shall be saved in 
child'bearino'J'' " Notwithstandincr " the sentence she 
is under. Gen. iii. 16, there can be no bar in the way 
of her acceptance with Christ. The head of the serpent 
has been bruised by the seed of woman ; and '^ she shall 
he saved. " L^t your principal care be to " continue 
in faith y " which is a saving grace : Eph. ii. 8 : puri^ 
fics the heart : Acts xv. 9 : worketh by love, or '' char* 
ity : " Gal. v. 6 : '' and holiness^ " which is the opposite 
of all sin, and is inseperably connected with happiness : 
Heb. xii. 14 : '' with sobriety, " prudence, gravity, 
humility, and temperance : Titus ii. 12. 

While brooding over your present difficulties, and 
gloomy prospect, you may be ready to say, ^' Many truly 
pious women in my situation have died, while others, 
notorious for impiety, have been brought through their 
trouble." That certainly has been the case ; but it is 
no proof of its being so with you : Ps. 1. xv. ^' Continue 
in faith,^^ live to God ; rely upon his gracious promises ; 
and though the difficulties and dangers in child-bearing 
are many and great, being a part of the ])unishmiMit 
inflicted on your sex, for Eve's transgression, ^' notwith- 
standing, she shall be saved in childbearing,"' Though 
in sorrow, she sIimII be niadt^ a mother, slu* shall bo 
a living mother of li\ing (liihhin. Live faithfidiv, 
charitably, holy and soberly : and tluMi, by taking hold 
of the promises ol' (iod, you will be able to liviM'omforta- 
bly. H(* ashamed of yom- luihelief; it damps your joy ; 
brings a dark cloud between you and the blessed Sun of 
lighteousness ; and withholds the glory of vour heart. 
6 



58 TO THE STRANGER* 

" He loveth the stranger, in giving Iiim food and raiment. 
Deut. X. 18. 

We are too apt to be forgetful of cur home above, 
while surrounded with all the comforts of a home belov/. 
The Lord sometimes strips us of them to turn our thoughts 
homeward. But even then, he does not leave us com- 
fortless ; for as tribulation abounds, consolation also 
abounds : 2 Cor. i. 5. The Christian is frequently 
called to suffer in mind, from having to live amongst 
men, and find so few men ; and among Christians, and 
meet with so faw Christians. Sometimes he is a stran2:er 
in a strange land without any certain dvv^elling place, 
exposed to hunger, hardships, and wdui ; but in the 
worst of times, he has this best of consolations, to know, 
that God is with him : Isa. xli. 10. Strangers are con- 
stantly exposed ; and, very frequently, destitute of friends; 
w^hich makes their case truly pitiable. Should this be 
your case, be not discouraged : you have still one friend 
left, who is both able and willing to help you : Isa. xxv. 
4. Do not be afraid, nor ashamed, to apply to him 
immediately ; and lay before him the true state of your 
case. Re is your Covenant-keeping God, and will not 
send you empty away. For, 

1st. ^^ He loveth the stranger ^ Here Is thy comfort ; 
He ever loves, always hears, and can instantly deliver 
thee. Judge not of thy Father's love by his present 
dispositions ; if thou art sorely smitten on earth, go and 
unbosom thyself to thy best friend, thy faithful Friend, 
in heaven. He loves thee ; cares for thee ; and will 
listen to all thy complaints. 

2d. The stranger may be permitted to sufTer, for awhile, 
the gnawing pains of hunger ; but this aiibrds the Lord 
an opportunity of proving His love, " in giving him 
JoocL^^ Shew the stranger's Friend your trouble : Fs. 
cxlii. ii. He who feeds the ravens, and sent Elijah his 
food in the mouth of ravens, has engaged to give you 
food ; even amongst strangers. Your apparel may be 
v/orn threadbare, yea, worn out ; but no matter ; you 
can enter the court of your Father's house, though in 
rags ; For, 

3d. He gives ^' i^aiment " to the stranger, on his apply- 
ing for it, if he sees it will be for the best. 



TO THE STRANGER. 59 

*• My Gt)d shall supply all your need, according to his riches in 
glory hy Christ Jesus." Phil. iv. 19. 

Here we have a promissory-note drawn upon the 
Exchequer of Heaven ; and a precious one it is ; good 
to the amount of all we need ; current in every country ; 
always duly honored ; and never witlidrawn. Stranj/er, 
whoever you are, or wherever you are, if you are a 
Christian, it is impossible for you to need anything 
which God cannot supply you with : Ps. xxiv. 1. Paul, 
though a great saint, was a poor sinnei', even as others. 
Yet having experienced so much of the lioodness of God 
himself, with what unshaken confidence, and boldness, he 
speaks of wJiai his God shall do. Observe, 

1st. Paul's God B your God ; and it matters not 
where your lot is cast, nor what your situation might be ; 
though you may be a houseless wanderer in a strange 
country, pennyless, friendless, and forlorn ; with no eye 
to pity your distress, nor any hand to minister to your 
relief; still you shall have no cause to complain ; for 
you hive only to cany this check to the bank of Heaven, 
at any hour you please, and you may depend upon 
receiving the amount- of '^ (til you ncaiy And, wjiat 
more can you desire? Dcut. x. 18. ]>ell(^vers' needs 
are God's concerns ; and He will snpph/ them : Ps. 
Ixxxiv. 11. " M>/ Go(i;' says faithfurPaul, '' sliaU 
siipphj ; supplij all your need,^' Not he wcfy ; but '' lie 
shaliy Not supply you in part ; No ; i)nl alL Not 
all y owv lonnis^ but all your needs: Ez(k. xi. 16. 

2d. He will, yea, '' 5//^/// supply all your need," not 
according to your uKMit, but his mercy ; not according to 
your poviHty on earth, but according to ''his riches in 
glory ;" not only riches, but ricluvs in gl(>rv : glorious 
riches. You receive all fiom glory ; ar.d all ttMuls to 
glory. Think not so disbonorably of your God, as to 
suppose bim an un^'onciMiied spiu-tator of your netul ; or 
that h(^ will witbbold from y(Mi w bat you do need. 

3(1. " Christ ./r.s-//.s'," ibiougb whom ''your vecd'*^ is 
suppliiMl, is your Sa\ inur, yoiu* Friend, wlio loNcib at all 
limes ; your elder liiotber who w as born for advtMsitv. 
He is touebed with a tender sympathy, 'i fettling senst* of 
all your inlinuilies: llcb. iv. 15. Stretch your empty 
liands low ards Nour (iod. I le does re«![ard vou : Isa. Ixvi. "Z, 



€0 TO THE POOR AND HELPLESS. 

" The needy shall not always be forgotten ; the expectation of 
the poor shall not perish forever." Ps. ix. 18. 

The faith, patience, and valor, of Christ's soldiers are 
best known, when sorest tried. The poor never ceased 
even out of the land of Israel : Deut. xv. 11. For ye 
have, says Christ, the^oor always with yon : Mat. xxvi. 11. 
Those who have a lieart to do good, need never complain 
for want of opportunity. Notwithstanding, there are 
many who have '' much goods," who do no good with 
their goods ; but while they abound with plenty, forget 
the poor in their poverty. In this passage there is a 
.double consolation for the poor and helpless. 

1st. " The needy shall not always be forgotten^ 
Truly, this is a great encouragement for you, poor 
Christian, to wait patiently upon God ; and not to think, 
because you are needy^ and neglected by man, that you 
are forgotten by the Lord : Job xxxvi. 15. Do not 
suppose, because you have so long to wait, that you will 
'' always he forgotten ;" for that is impossible : Isa. xlix. 
15. You may have expected help from man, and have 
been disappointed. Bat if you are now expecting help 
from God, be assured, your expectation shall not be cut 
off: Prov. xxiii. 18. Dry up your tears ; muster your 
faith and patience. Try a throne of grace once more : 
Ps. cii. IT. Deliverance will shortly come : Ps. Ixxii. 
12, 13. The darkest part of the night is a little before 
day. Povejty is no sin. See Jesus, consider Jesus, 
who had not where to lay his head. He sees you, 
considers you, and bears a part in all your griefs : Heb. 
iv. 15. You may have been looking for help, from 
quarters you naturally expected to find it, but have been 
disappointed ; and now you are tempted to think de- 
liverance will never come. Reason not so with unbelief* 
For, 

2d. '' Your expectation shall vot perish forever,''^ It 
is true, you cannot live on faith ; but you may, and it 
is your privilege to, live by faith: Rom. i. 17. Your 
family, if you have one, requires something of a different 
•nature ; but just as your children, or dependents, make 
|;heir needs known, and cry to yon. do you do so to your 
Heavenly Father: Ps. ciii. 13. Blind unbelief is sure 
/to err ; and carnal reason always makes a false reports 



1*0 THE POOR AND HELPLESS. 61 

" Lot the brother of low degree rejoice, in that he is exalt'jd." 
James i. 1). 

The brightest saints are often t'^e greatest sufferers; 
though su:Ferings and afflictions are the common lot of 
all Christians: Jas. ii. 5. B.it poverty does not destroy 
the relation in which they stand to each other and to 
Christ. For, 

1st. They are brethren; and it is their privilege to 
rejoice, even in tribulation : Rom. v. 3. Our hopes and 
comfoi-ts rise or fall, according to our faith in what Christ 
is in himself; and wiiat He is to us. It is, theref)re, 
important, that we claim him in all the relations in which 
he stands to us. He is not only our Saviour and Advo- 
cate, but our Bp.otiier : Heb. ii. 17. Ycu may be 
brouglit very low, and your life, which is but a span 
long, be full of evils ; each fleeting day may bring upon 
its wing som3 new soitow ; and the adversary may be 
permitted to buffet you, while his fiery darts are flying 
thick around you ; still, you belong to the brotherhood ; 
and arc called upon to rejoice. '' Ijet the brother of 
low degree rejoiced Do you ask, '• In what can I 
rejoice, seeing I am almost worn out, and wearied out; 
what with my poor distressed circumstances, the plague 
of my deceitful heart, the violent assaults of Satan, the 
absence of my Saviour's smiles, t!ie troubles of the 
world, and the powerful workings of unbelief, my life is 
a burden ; and, in what have I to rejoice ? " AVhatever 
your frames and feelings, troubles and cares may bo, 
remember, ^' the brother of low degree " has good ground 
to rejoice upon ; not only because he Is called a brother, 
But, 

'2i\. '' Til thai he is evaltcdy Mind that ; not shall 
be; but ^^ \9> exalted,-^ Worldly wealth soon withers, 
and worldly friends die with it ; but you are exalted to 
be heir to an inht^ritancr that cannot fadi* : I IVt. i. 4. 
Your troubles w ill soon have an end ; the w histling 
winds of adversity will shortly cease to blow upon your 
humble cot ; yon will soon be freed from the iron hand 
of |)OV(M'ty, and the frozen looks of iey-lu^arted friends. 
You can never take any real harm from poverty ia 
pocket, so long as you remain ** poor in spirit : '' Matt. 
V. 3. Deliverance w ill shortly come : Ps. cxiii. 7. 



62 TO THE WIDOW AxND FATHERLESS. 

" He doth execiUe the judgment of the fatlierless and widow." 
Denr. x. 18. 

Men glory in their greatness ; but God glories in his 
goodness ; and wherever he finds human misery, He is 
sure to bestow divine mercy : Ps. Ixxii. 4. Ihe Lord 
is good to all ; but truly good to all who love him : Ps. 
Ixxiii. 1. He ever loves to help the helpless ; therefore, 
poor heart-stricken wir'ow, and sorrow lul crjhans^ He 
has taken your cause into his own hands. Hearken, 
si-ter, the Lord of Hosts ccmmiands away thy fears ; 
and declares himself to be thy husband : Isa. liv. 4, 5. 
Think not because you Lave lost ycur husband you have 
lost your God? INo ; th >t can never be. You are 
married to him ; and He hates putting aw ay. And all 
that he expects from you is, that you should bring forth 
fruit unto him. He w ill love, honor, and cherish you^ 
succor and support } ou. in sickness and in health ; and 
will not suffer even death itself to part you. Men may 
endeavor to take an advantage of ycur w eakness and 
helplessness; but woe be to them, who shall dare to 
make such an attempt, or in anywise afHict you : Exod. 
xxii. 22, 24, Make yourselves perfectly easy ; for 
^' He doth execute the judga.ent of the Jatherless and 
widoivJ^ 

When a family is bereft of its head, then the Lord 
takes the charge upon himself ; so that, the widow^ and 
fatherless find their loss more than made up. He is a 
Judge or Patron of the widows, to give them every 
necessary advice, plead their cause, do them right, and 
see them righted : Pro v. xxii. 23. His ear is open to 
all their cries, and his hand supplies all their needs. He 
is a Father of the fatherless ; He defends their cause, 
pities them, blesses them, provides for them, instructs 
them, and portions them : Ps. Ixviii. 5. Once more, 
let me remind thee, poor widow, the Lord has taken 
thee for better for worse : as a bride, love him, honor and 
obey him, and keep thee only to him ; and, indulgent as 
thy former husband might have been, thou wilt find 
Him infinitely more kind. And let the fatherless act 
towards Him as they would to a kind and indulgent father, 
and they shall have no cause to complain, but abundant 
cause to rejoice in having the Lord for their Father. 



TO THE WIDOW AND^ATHERLESS. C3 

*' Pure religion and undefilc.d before God and the Father, is this, 
To visit the fnlhetless and widows in their affliflion, and lu keep 
himself unspotted from the wor'd." James i. 27. 

A Christian does not work to live ; but he does 
live to work : Jas. ii. 22. Christ dwelling in the heart, 
by faith, is the source and spring of all comfort, and 
every good work : Eph. iii. 17. We have here a /r)wcA- 
stone, by which we may try our religion, and which, if 
men would only take the trouble to bring their religion 
to it, would soon put an end to all hot disputes. Observe, 
what is said of true religion. 

1st. It is called " Fare religion ; " not mixed \\ ith 
the inventions and traditions of man ; nor the corruptions 
of the world. 2d. It is " undefilerl; " having no con- 
nexion whatever with bigotry, prejudice, party-zeal, or 
uncharitableness : 1 John iii. 10. It is of the utmost 
importance that our religion be pure and kept unrJefiled ; 
and that it teach us to act, on all occasions, as in the 
presence of Him w hom we profess to serve ; that we 
may please Him in all our actions. For no religion is of 
any value, but that which is found pure and undefiled 
*' before God and the Father. " 3d. A very necessary 
part of true religion is, " To visit the Jathcrless and 
widows in their ajfliction, " The Lord know s they need 
visiting, and that they are too frequently neglected ; but 
He will not forget them ; and has, therefore, made it a 
part of our re /(if /on to visit them ; and not from curiositv, 
or mere compliment, but in compassion and charity. 
4th. The man whose religion is pure, must not only 
endeavor to preserve that from being defiled, but, must 
^' keep himself unspotted from the wo: Id. '' It is hard to 
live in the world, and have to do with it, and not be 
spotted by it ; but this must be our constant endeavor : 
1 Cor. X. 31. We may travel a bad road, w ithout sitting 
dow^n in the mud. 

Are you fatherless ? put your trust in God ; live to 
liim ; wi[)e aw ay your tears ; for though your loss is 
great, your gain is greater ; and your heavenly Father 
will more than fill your (»arthly father's place : IIos. \iv, 
3. Are yow a widoiv? — cease to mourn your loss; 
for (iod has <Migag(*d to act in the double capacity of 
Father and Husband tow ard you ; V^, Iwiii, 5. 



64 TO THE PRISONER ANt> CAPTtvfi. 

*' Verily I will cause the enemv to entreat thee well in the time 
of evil, and in tlie time of affliction." Jer. xv. 11. 

What a sweet harmony exists between the Father's 
promises and the children's needs ! ReHgion v^ill never 
exempt a man from trouble, but it will make him happy in 
trouble ; for he knows, go how it may with others, it is 
sure to be ivell with him : Isa. iii. 10. Should you be 
brcui^ht into prison, or affliction, for righteousness sake, 
ia righteous God will cause your enemies '' to entreat you 
Well ," for his mercy's s?ke : Isa. xlxix. 25. The God 
whom you serve has the hearts of all men in his hand ; 
and can, yea, icilh cause the enemy ^ into whose hands 
you may have fallen, to treat thee ivelL And of this 
you have no room to doubt : for he has not only said, 
'• I ivill,'^ Yvhich ouiiht to be sufficient, but, ^' Verily, I 
zvilL'' All thai God says, He does ; and whenever 
trouble comes, grace is never far behind ; and it will go 
better wath you amongst open enemies, than pretended 
friends : 2 Cor. xii. 9. 

It matters but little where you are, if Jesus be with 
you. His presence wdll dispel your gloom ; turn a 
prison into a palace ; and a palace into a toy. And 
you may depend upon it, he loves you too well to suffer 
you to live on earth without him ; or to live in heaven 
without ycu : John xiv. 2, 3. Should the enemy be 
permitted to do his worst, he can do no more than bind, 
confine, torment, and afflict your poor body ; he cannot 
bind your said ; nor prevent God from visiting, blessings 
and supporting it : Deut. xxx. 4. Neither will he suffer 
the enemy to hurt a hair of thy head, nor afflict thee, 
unless He sees it will be ivell for thee : Matt. x. 30, 3L 
For He has said, '^ Verily I will cause the ememy to 
entreat thee welly Hath he said it, and shall he not do 
it? And this He will do '^ in the time of evil ; " in the 
time of trouble and sorrow : Job ii. 10. You have no 
evil to fear but sin ; which is the true cause of every 
natural evil : Ps. xxxiv. 16. By avoiding sin, you have 
nothing to dread from the worst of evils ; and you will 
have the happiness" to know, that whatever other evil or 
eviction, may befall you, is for your good : Job v. 6, 7 : 
inasmuch as it is of the Lord : Amos iii, 6 ; through 
whose mercies we are not consumed : Lam. iii. 22. 



TO THE PRISONER AND CAPTIVE. 65 

»* I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries 
shall not he ahle to gainsay nor resist." Luke xxi. 15. 

While Christ lives, a believer's hopes can never die; 
his soul may be cast down, but cannot despair ; he may 
be stripped of earthly comforts ; but nothini^can separate 
him from the love of Christ : Rom. viii. 38, 39. If you 
are an advocate of the truth of Christ, you may expect 
to suffer in its defence ; and need not think it strange; 
should you be brought before ecclesiastic and civil courts 
for his sake : John xvi. 2. Should this be your case, 
let it give you no concer i, as though it was a cause ol 
your own ; for Christ will ''give you a month^'* to speak 
with ; ''and wisdom,^^ to know whcif to speak, and 
what to speak. Whenever, and wherever, you are 
called to plead the cause of Christ, you may depend 
upon having a mouth and wisdom to do it with. He 
does not say, I will send some one to be a mouth for 
you, and supply your lack of wisdom ; no ; but, " I 
will give you a mouth and wisdom : '* which most cer- 
tainly proves him to be more than man ; or he could not 
tell when those things would be needed : nor give them 
if he could tell : James i. 5. 

You may even be brought like a criminal to the bar ; 
and have grievous things laid to your charge, as was the 
case with your Lord before you ; but still, " your adversa- 
ries.^^ iboush seated in pomp, and clothed with authority, 
"shall not be able to gainsay nor resist " your mouth and 
wisdom : Isa. xlix. 25. And should tliey, against the 
strong(vst convictions, be permitted to cast you into prison, 
still trust in tlu^ Ijord ; and he w ho made it to go well 
with Josepli, will mak(^ it to go well with you : (ien. 
xxxix. 2. He carefid to do all that Christ says : and 
never fi»ar what man (h)es : John xv. 20. It is far br'tter 
to suffer with Christ, than take pleasure in sin. You 
may be driven v(^ry far from fricMuis and home ; or eon- 
fined b('tW(M'n the gloomy walls of a loatlisomr prison ; 
still, the* promis(^ is, " From thence will the liord thy 
God gath(;r tluH», and from tin iice will he fetch thet* : '* 
Dent. XXX. 4. " He l>ringeth nut those w hich are hound 
with chains : '' Ps. Iwiii. (J. *' Tlu* liord loosc^th [hr pris- 
oners:" Ps. cxivi. 7. Our bless(»dness consists in know ing, 
that tlr* word of the Lord al)ideth forever : liuke \vi. 17, 



66 OF DELIVERANCE FROM FAMINE. 

*' In famine he shall redeem thee from death." Job. v. 20. 

While poor Job suffers the loss of all, still he glories 
in the possession of all ; for though he could not say my 
oxen, my sheep, wy camels, my servants, viy sons and my 
daughters, as formerly, yet he could say, '' My Redeemer 
liveth: " Job. xix. 25. The belief of this, sweetened 
every bitter, lightened every cross, held his head above 
water, made up every loss, kept him from fainting, forti- 
fied his mind, and enabled him to say in the midst of all his 
troubles, '• Blessed be the name of the Lord." When 
dano;ers are most threatenino:, the Christian should be most 
beheving : for though he cannot keep himself from 
calamity, God can keep him in calamity : Dan. iii. 17. 
You need not expect to be long free from tribulation ; 
but it is your privilege to rejoice in tribulation : 2 Cor. 
vii. 4. 

Be not afraid oi famine ; for, let who may go without 
food, you shali be fed : Ps. xxxvii. 3. The watchful 
eye of the Lord is over all those that fear him, and hope 
in him: Ps. xxxiii. 18, 1 9. Let it, therefore, not dis- 
tress you, should your prospect of obtaining bread for 
yourseJf, and those dependant upon you, be cut off; so 
long as it is written, ''His bread shall be given him ; and 
his waters shall be sure : " Isa. xxxiii. 16. Let those 
doubt who have no God to go to in the time of trouble ; 
but why should you doubt ? can you assign any reason 
why ? is not the God whom you serve, as well able to 
feed you as he was his servant Elijah in the wilderness, 
in the time of famine ? and is he not as willing ? You 
have tru^^ted him with your soul : surely, then, you are 
not afraid to tru-^t him with your body: Ps. xxxiv. 10. 
Do you ever recollect his suffering you to be confounded, 
on any occasion, when you trusted in him? Isa. Iii. 7. 
Hang upon his promise : '' in fajnine,^^ when desolating 
judgments are abroad, let who will fall by the hand of 
tlie ^destroyer, " he shall redeem thee from deaths 
Cleave close to God ; and depend upon his being close 
to thee. He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the 
hungry soul with goodness : Ps. cvii. 9. Although the 
fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the 
vines : the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields 
shall yield no meat — yet I will rejoice in the Lord, 



OP DELIVERANCE FROM FAMINE. 67 

** Mon shall not live by bread nlone, but by every word that pro- 
ceedetii out of the iiioutb of God." Matt. iv. 4. 

When Christ was in straits, the Devil did not fail to 
tempt hiin to question his sonship ; distrust his Father's 
love and care ; and as soon as he began to be hungry, 
look out for a supply ; and would hav^o him supply him- 
self in an unlawful way. Be not surprised, then, if, in 
your straits, you should meet with similar temptations ; 
but you have only to pursue a course similar to that pur- 
sued by your Lord, and the tempter will leave you : 
'- It is written, Man shall not live by bread aloiie,^^ &lc. 
Deut. viii. 3. It is true, kind Providence ordinarily 
maintains men by bread out of the earth : Job xxviii. 5 : 
but can, when He pleases, make use of other means ; 
^' every word that proceedetli out of the mouth of God^^ 
must accomplish that which he ])leases. And if God 
chooses to order anything else in lieu of bread, man will 
have no cause for complaint ; he will have as good a 
livelihood. If man has bread without the blessing of 
God, he will not be nourished by it ; and if he ivant 
bread the Lord is able to nourish him some other way : 
ria!.>;. i. 6, 9. He sustained IMoses, without bread ; fed 
Israel in the wilderness, with angels' food ; and caused 
the ravens to supj)ly Elijah. The formalist can trust 
God for a loaf wliilehe has a barrel of llour, and has his 
coffers well lined ; but the Christian trusts Him even in 
famine : Hab. iii. 17, 18. It is impossible for you to 
be brought into any strait by the providence of God, that 
the God of providence cannot bring you out of : ^2 Pet. 
ii. 9. The Saviour was in a wilderness, and so are 
you ; he is God's Son, and so are you ; the devil was 
conquered by him, antl shall be conquered for you : Rom. 
xvi. '20. Israel hungcu'ed, but God fed them. Bread is 
tlu5 stair of life ; but the blessing of (iod is the staff of 
bread. Cuxl well knows how to feed his children, either 
\\lth or without bread. A Christian may live without 
bread ; but he cannot live without God : I John iv. IG. 
Consider Jesus, the Ca|)tain of yom* salvation, lest you 
be weary and faint in your mind. A \\r[\vl full of grace 
is l)etter than a house full of bread. In the heaviest of 
allliction, \s e have this consolation, " The Ijord will 
j)r()vide,'^ 



68 OF DELIVERANCE FROM WAR. 

" Through God we shall do valiantly ; for He it is that shall tread 
down our enemies." Ps. Ix. 12. 

Blessed be God for the word of his grace, the Bible, 
in w hich we have so many sacred and precioas promises ; 
thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift, Jesus, in 
whom all those promises are yea, and in him Amen, unto 
the glory of God by us : 2 Cor. i. 20. Here we have 
the saints' confidence in God, and in his power and 
promise. Observe, 

1st. The best principle of true courage is, hope in 
God ; for none but God can subdue our enemies. But 
HE can and will ; yea, and faith says, '' He shall :^' and 
has for its assurance the promises of God : Deut. xx. 4. 
2d. Our confidence in God must not cause us to fold 
our hands, as though ice had nothing to do ; but should 
encourage and quicken our endeavors in the discharge 
of every duty. '' God himself is with us for our captain :" 
and he it is that performs all things for us ; yet, there is 
something to be done by us : 2 Chron. xiii. 12. For, 
3d. " Through God,^^ through his grace assisting of us, 
it is, that '^ we shall do valiantly,^' So that we have 
every encouragement to be up and doing. But after we 
have done our best, we must not depend upon our doings ; 
nor trust in our o\^ n might ; nor our own power for 
victory. For, 4th. ^' He it is that shall tread down our 
enemies : " and He must have the praise. No matter 
who fio;hts ao;ainst us. so Ions; as God&^his for us. Thouo^h 
a host may encamp against us, the Angel of the Lord 
wall encamp around us : Ps. xxxiv. 7. Our enemies 
may have mighty Generals with them, famed for shedding 
blood, and scattering desolation all around them ; but 
wdiat need we fear ? ^' for they that be with us are more 
than they that be with them : '^ 2 Kin. vi. 15 — 17. 
And through God we shall do valiantly ; and so we shall 
do victoriously. 

Some are so fond of icar^ that they make war when 
there needs none : while others will cry, '^Peace/^ where 
there is none : Isa. Ivii. 21. War and Christianity, like 
fire and water, cannot mix well together : iNIatt. xxvi. 52. 
Strive always to be at peace with the Prince of peace ; 
and then, no matter what wars are without, you will 
always have peace within. 



OF DELIVERANCE FROM WAR. 69 

*' Tlie weapons of onr warfare arc not carnal, but mighty through 
God to the pulling down of strong holds." 2 Cor. x. 4. 

The God of peace, in the plenitude of his goodness, 
has scattered plenty all around for the supply of all his 
creatures ; but man, by war, has diffused famine and 
misery. Lands which our bountiful Donor caused to 
flow with milk and honey, have since been sprinkled 
with tears of hunger and distress ; while the fields that 
waved with golden grain, have been drenclied with hu- 
man blood ! How desirable is it, then, to be delivered 
from the ravages of war ! The Christian soldiers have 
to fight while in the flesh ; but not after the flesh ; for 
having made peace with God, through the Prince of 
peace, they no longer delight in war with man : Rom. 
xii. 18. But though a Christian has nothing to fear 
from man, and can no longer delight in shedding the 
blood of his fellow-beings, in consequence of being united 
to Christ, he has constantly to fight. The Christian's 
life is a spiritual warfiire ; has to do with spiritual ene- 
mies, and for spiritual purposes ; and hence, '' The 
weapons of our warfare are not carnal." Observe, 

1st. The flesh must not be gratified ; but crucified. 
The doctrincvs of the gospel are the '^ ivcaj/oiis of our war" 
fare ; " and, though these '' are not carnal^^'' they are 
mighty^ powerful and convincing; carrying the force of 
truth with them to the consciences of men : Acts xxiv. 25. 

2d. It is " through Gorl,^^ whose institutions they are, 
and whose blessing alone insures success, th;a we gain 
the conquest ; For He it is which makes all opposition 
to fall bf'fore the weapons we wield. 

8(1. Our enemies are strongly fortified; being not only 
in, l)ut are '' strong-holds ^ Every opposition made by 
sin and Satan, ignorance, prejudice and lust in the 
heart, are strong-holds of the enemy ; and the Ciospel 
is the means appointed io j)ull them down ; and down 
they must come ; and we be brought ofl' more than con- 
querors : Horn. viii. 37. I^et us. tluMi, no longer fear but 
fight ; and, as voldiiMs of Chrisi, fight manfully \hv bat- 
tles of Christ. Ami should eircunistances, over which 
you may have no control lead you into war, still keep 
on th(» Lord's side, and in war he shall redeem thee from 
the power of the sword : Job v. 20. 
7 



70, OF DELIVERANCE FROM ENEMIES. 

" Lord, it is notliing with tliee to help, whetl^er wiih many, or 
with tiieiD tliat havf3 no power." 2 Chron. xiv. 11. 

It is allowed, even by the wicked, " They are well 
kept whom God keeps." If left to ourselves, our ene- 
mies would prove too many and too mighty for us ; but 
sudi is not the case : and we have nothing to fear from 
a host of them, v/hile the Lord of hosts is on our side ; 
and his Son is at our head. Some trust in the strength 
of their arm ; but the Christian trusts in the strength of 
liis God: 1 Tim. iv. 10. It is good to be well pre- 
pared ; but not to trust in our preparations. Enemies 
you may, yea, will have ; and be not surprised if those 
who ought to be your friends should prove themselves 
your enemies : such was the case with your dear Re- 
deemer. His spotless life, nor benevolent actions, could 
secure to him tlie good will of all ; even his friends 
betraved, forsook, and fled from him, in his greatest ex- 
tremity. If we live to God we have nothing to fear 
from man : Ps. Ivi. 1 1. We have only to know that the 
Lord is our God ; and then, no matter how numerous 
and formidable our enemies may appear ; for it " h 
nothing with Him to lielp, whe'her with many or them 
that have no power.'' So that you need look no longer 
upon your own vveakness ; for " it is nothing '' with 
the Lord. Your living to God will never prevent your 
having enemies ; but on the contrary, maj^ cause many 
.^o rise up against you ; who v/ili persecute you, and say 
all manner of evil against you, falsely ; still you need not 
fear ; for if you suffer in a righteous cause, you shall be 
delivered by a righteous God. You miay be poor and 
povv'erless ; still it is nothing with Him to help ; your 
strength is in the Lord, who depends net upon your 
power ; you may have to stand alone ; still •' it is 
nothing,^^ and matters nothing, whether the Lord help 
with the many who are mighty, or with '' them that have 
no power y Roll thy burden upon the Lord ; spread 
thy case and all thy cares before him ; fret not thyself 
because of those who bring wicked devices to pass. The 
Lord your God ye shall fear, and he shall deliver you 
out of the hand of all your enemies : 2 Kin. xvii. 39. 
When the lord helps it is a- ways with a dead lift. Men 
may fight against you, but God fights for you : Deut. xx,5.. 



OF DELIVCPcANCE FROM ENEMIES. 71 

*' I nm vvitli tliee, and no man shall set on thee to liurt tliee." 
Acts xviii. 10. 

CfiRisTiAN friend, your daily work is to fight the good 
" fight of faith, and to lay hold on eternal life ;" nor 
will you ever want enemies to fight with ; for should you 
meet w^ith none from without, you may always find 
plenty lurking within. If you were of the world, you 
would live like the world ; and m consequence of the 
world's loving you, your enemies would be fewer than 
what they now are ; but you would have more to fear 
from them, tlian you now have ; for their enmity is not 
so much against 7/o;i, as the God whose image you bear: 
John XV. 18; 19, And the more you strive to live to 
God, the more their enmity w^ill increase : Roq]. viii. 7. 
But for your comfort ; Observe, 

1st. The blessed assurance given ; '^ I am ivith iJicc,''* 
Never did a kind flither speak with more tenderness to 
his dear child, v/hen passing through the midst of ene- 
mies, than your heavenly Father here speaks to you. 
Fear not, '^ I am with thee ; " not only within call, but 
by the side of thee ; fear not the threatenings of thy 
enemies, " I amivith thee^^ to help thee, and bless thee, 
support and protect thee. Whatever the Lord in his 
word enjoins upon you, that do ; and leave all conse- 
quences wnth him ; seeing it is beneath the dignity of a 
heaven-born soul to fear the slaves of sin. You have a 
good warrant of protection, -'lam with thee J* Men 
may, and perhaps do, set on you ; but bear in mind, 

2d. " No man slrall sc^ on thee to hurt thee^ Your 
enemies might be l)oth wicked and unreasonable, but fear 
neitlier their words nor their looks ; their words are but 
wind ; and their looks can do no harm ; neither have 
tiiey any power against you but w hat God gives tluMu : 
Acts xvii. '2H. Men nuiy greatly trouble you, but 
FatJier will see to it that no man shall hurt you. Trials 
you may expect daily, but they will havr an end shortly. 
Wherever you are, never be l)ac!v\sard lo advocate the 
cau'^e of Christ ; seeing he constantly advocates your's, 
and is ever with you: M.itt. xxviii. '20. TiCt it be 
your constant study, not only to l(M)k like a Christian, 
but to liv(' like one : and \\\r\\ you w ill have the conso- 
Ifition to know, that what vou do well plcast^s God. 



72 OF DELIVERANCE FROM REPROACH. 

" Thou shah hi<!c them in the secret of thy presence from the 
pride of man ; thou shait keep them secretly in a pavilion from 
the strife of tongues." Ps. xxxi. 20. 

The father of lies and enemy of all truth, will assuredly 
brino; lyino; accusations ao:ainst you, and the truth that you 
believe. As sure as you live a holy life, you will have 
proud and contemptuous foes ; \\ho will speak proudly 
against your faith, and sneer at your unshaken confidence. 
Their lying lips \^ ill be opened against you. It has 
been so from the beginning ; and, that v ]jich was in 
the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. The yride of 
man lies at the bottom of every other corruption that 
dwells in the human heart : Mark vii. 2/ — 23. Some 
of the legitimate offspring of pride are, seif-conceit, con- 
tempt of God, and disdain of men : 1 Sam. xvii. 28.- 
Calumny may spread her monster-figured mantle over 
the Christian, and reproach spread a dreary gloom over 
his mind ; but when the svxeet reflection visits his soul, 
that his Redeemer cares for him, it is again sunshine to 
his heart ; his wounded s])irit drinks in the heavenly 
balm ; while in the assurance of faith he exclaims, '• Thou 
shall hide /?2e." God reserves his goodness for his saints : 
Ps. Ixviii. 19 : and preserves his saints for his goodness : 
1 Pet. i. 5. The pride — the strije — U)e tongues of 
men, may endanger the liberty and life of Cliristians, but 
God shall hide them. Neither will he hide them far 
from him ; but in the secret of his presence ; yea, and 
after he has hid thera, he v/ill not forget them ; butkeep 
them cheerful and easy in his pavilion, v here they shall 
have constant communion with him. What more can 
you desire, than the constant presence of God ? Ps. 
ixxiii. 25. What can hurt you, while God is your hi- 
ding-place ? Reproach is cruel ; and the slanderer's 
tongue more to be dreaded, than the dagger of the assas- 
sin ; but let it concern you more to know what God 
thinks of you, than what the strife of tongues may say 
of you. You may always keep a good conscience ; 
though men may give you a bad name. The servant is 
not greater than his Lord. And if men are determined 
to speak evil of you, be sure you strive to live so that 
nobody will believe them. God reads the heart \ and 
believes not a false report. 



or DELIVERANCE FROM REPROACH. 73 

•' If ye be reproached for the naoie of Christ, happy are ye; for 
the Spirit of ;^h)ry and of God resteth upon you : on their part he 13 
evil s[)oUen of, but on your part he is glorified." I Pet. iv. 14. 

Where piety has its seat in the heart, it will be seen 
in the life ; hence, believers are the salt of the earth, to 
spre.id a salutary influence, and save the world from 
moral putrefaction. If, therefore, such a conduct subject 
them to reproach, happy are they. What ! happy 
when reproa;^hed ? — '' Why, " says the poor tried be- 
liever, "• it is quite a paradox. " So it is, but then, it 
is a Christian piradox. "If ye be reproached for the 
name of Christ,^^ think it not strange, as though something 
strange bad happened unto you ; for there is no crime 
too black, for the servants of God to be accused of, at 
one time or other. If you would reign with Christ, you 
may expect to suffer for Christ : Phil. i. 29. The Prince 
of peace was accused of perverting the nation ; and can 
his followers expect to go free ? Luke xxiii. 2. The 
flesh finds it hard work to submit to reproach without 
reviling again ; esper/ially when reproached by those you 
may have treated kindly ; howev er you may feel to the 
contrary, still it is written, " happy are J^e ;" and you 
must not measure your religion, nor God's love to you, by 
your poor harrowed feelings ; but hang by faith on the 
])roinises of God. Both the best men and the best 
things are sure to meet witli reproaches in the world. 
Jesus the Saviour and his followers, the Spirit of God and 
the Gospel of his Son, are all evil spoken of But your 
hapj)iness consists in the " Spirit of glory and of God 
resting upon yoii^ And the reproaches which evil 
i\wx\ cast upon you, are takcai by the Spirit of God as 
cast upon hiins(»lf '' On their part he is evil spoken of'^ 
whenever you sj)(^ak of his consolations and comfort. i bio 
assurancr»s. Only l(*t a child of(jod speak of the Spirit 
of adoption working in the* chihh-en of God a filial love 
to (iod as a Fath(M% a delight in him, and (K^pMidanco 
upon him as a Father ; and that the Spirit teaclies 
us to approach him as a Father, and he will soon be 
spoken evil of on their |)art : but on your part he is 
ghtrifu'il : Kom. viii. 15, Ki. There are many who 
follow Christ while they can live on the loaves and fishes^ 

who forsake him when thev mcn't with trials and crosses. 

7* 



74 OF DELIVERANCE FROM OPPRESSION. 

"For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, 
now will I arise, saith the Lord ; 1 will set liim in safety from him 
that pufFeth at liim. " Ps. xii. 5. 

The rich have many friends ; while the jpoor are 
frequently oppressed, and perhaps for no other reason, 
than because they are jjoor. Bad indeed must the times 
be, when oppression abounds, and impiety unblushingly 
w^alks without a mask, under the sanction of men in 
power. When the jjoor are oppressed, and the needy 
crushed, and have all manner of wrong done them ; when 
they are not in a capacity to help themselves, they dare 
not speak for themselves ; lest their defence should be 
made an offence. But being thus bound down by the 
iron-hand of the oppressor, they secretly bemoan their 
hard lot, and ease their troubled hearts by sighing heiovQ 
God ; whose ears are ever open, not only to their cries, 
but also, to their sighs : Ps. xxxiv. 15. Should any one, 
as Moses did, speak to their oppressors in their behalf, 
and entreat them to make their burden lighter, i\\ej ^iiff 
at them, as though it was a matter not worth any one^s 
while troubling themselves about: thus making light of 
their own sin, and the wretchedness of the poor. 

Here we have an assurance that God will, in due time, 
undertake the cause, and work deliverance for the op- 
pressed. 1st. '^ JS'ow, soith ih£ Lord;'^ when the op- 
pressors are in the height of iheir pride and insolence ; 
when the oppressed are in the depth of distress and 
despondency, '' will I arise : " I will arise as J did when 
Pharaoh was most elevated, and Israel most dejected : 
Exod. iii. 7 — 10. 1 will arise and do it, as sure as I 
have said it, when the set time arrives. Ps. cii. 13. 
2d. " I will set him in safety ; " burst his bonds ; restore 
to him his liberty ; give him prosperity ; and protect him ; 
so that he shall have no cause to complain of his past 
sufferings ; nor fear being carried back to him that now 
puffeth at him. Jer. xxxii, 37 — 44. Trust in the 
Lord, ye sighing-ones : '' He giveth power to the faint ; 
and to them who have no might heincreaseth strength : " 
Isa. xl. 29. Be not distressed at your calamities ; but 
submit to your lot ; resolving rather to die, than to sin 
against God : for, '' He shall judge the poor of the people, 
and shall save the children of the needy P 



OF DELIVERANCE FROM OPPRESSION. i5 

" Who went about doing good, and Iicaling all that were op- 
pressed." Acts. X. 3d. 

Children of calamity, let your chief concern be to 
love, adore, and trust a faithful God ; with grateful, 
honest hearts, acknowledge the benedicticns of His 
providence ; and receive your afflictions at his hand, as 
blessings in disguise. Think never the worse of Christ 
because of those, who, in words profess him, but in 
w^orks deny him : Titus i. 16. '' If any man have not 
the Spirit of Christ," whatever his profession might be, 
^' he is none of his : " Rom. viii. 9. And whoever 
possesses his Spirit, treads in his steps ; are meek, lowly, 
humble, peaceable, and charitable, as he was. Observe, 

1st. The conduct of Jesus Christ ; He " wtnt about 
doing good. " He enabl.' d the lame to walk, +he blind 
to see, the deaf to hear, ih«j lepers he clean-cd, the 
dead he raised, and preached the gospel to the poor : 
Matt. xi. 5. All his miracles were truly benevolent ; 
and designed to promote human comfort. Nor w as he 
less mindful of the souls of men. He instructed the 
ignorant in the doctrines and duties of true religion: 
Luke xix. 47. He reproved the guilty, and warned the 
careless, while he encouraged ihe faithful to persevere : 
See Matt, xxiii. He preached deliverance to the captives, 
and lil)rrty to the bruised: Luke iv. 18. He not only 
granted the requests of all who applied to him for relief, 
but, " he went about doing good. " And to accomplish 
his merciful designs, he frcMjuently had to endure huuLrer, 
thirst and weariness. His whole hfe was one continued 
act of doing good. 

2d. His impartial benevolence; ''healing all that 
tvcrc oppressed, '' The pressing wants and painful ne- 
cessities of men, excited his lender compassion; while 
all his acts were directed to the glory of his Father : John 
viii. 54. Many seek the praise of men, in their acts of 
charity; He sought the honor of Cod; they aim at 
ihciir own glory ; hut he at his creatures' good ; they are 
partial to a few ; but he w as good to all. And for iho 
comfort of th(» oppressed, be it ev(M' borne in mind, that 
what he once was, he now is: llib. \iii. H. The con- 
duct of the oppressors is sadly at variance with the spirit 
of the g()S|)el, which breatln^s pure Ix nevolence. 



^O or DELIVERANCE FROM DEATH. 

"The Lord kilieth and maketh alive; he bringeth down to the 
grave, and bringeth up. " 1 Sam. ii. 6. 

Study to keep your eye of faith fixed upon Christ, a 
sense of his love in your heart, and a hope of giory in 
your soul : and you will be but httle concerned about 
death. For. observe, 

1st. jNone die by chance ; no, not even the poor 
sparrow ; it is the Christian's God that gives to every 
arrow of de^^th its commission. '' The Lord 'kilJeth ; " 
so that death does no more than the Lord bids him ; 
for the keys of death are kept by Christ ; and, until he 
opens the gates, none can pass through them : Rev. i. 18. 

2d. The Lord ''ma'keth alive i'^'' when men are bora 
into the world, it is the Lord that makes them to live ; 
and thouij;h we know not the way of the spirit, we know^ 
it proceeds from the Father of spirits : Eccl. xii. 7. He 
maketh alive: Fs. xxxi. 23. 

3d. ■• Ha bringeth down to the grave *' some who 
have youth and beauty blooming on every feature, 
without, perhaps, an hour's warning ; while others giad- 
ually consume away or, by raging fever, have the springs, 
of life dried up. By ways unnumbered. He bringeth 
do IV a to the grave. And, 

4ih. He '' bringeth up *' from the grave, those who 
apoeared iust readv to fall into it : and. even after the 
skill of the most skilful physician has been baffled, 
restores them to perfect health : 2 Cor. i. 8 — 10. Why 
should vou. then, be ah^aid of death ? Can anvthino^ 
be too hard for the Lord ? Is he not able to clotlie and 
quicken dry bones? Ezek. xxxvii. 1 — 10. You may be 
very sick ; and your sickness not be unto death. The 
shafts of death may be flying thick around you ; but not 
one of them can come near you, till appointed by your 
heavenly Father ; and he will never suffer you to die, 
while he sees it will be good for you to live. Look not 
upon death as an enemy : but as a messenger which 
your indulgent Father has promised to send to unlock 
your prison door, fetch you out of exile, and put it in 
your power to return to your native home, where an 
incorruptible inheritance avvaits your arrival. Death 
may kill you ; but cannot hami you. Death can only 
let vou into life : Phil. i. 21. 



OF DELIVERANCE FROM DEATH. 77 

"And deliver them, who, tliroii^h fear of death, were ill their 
life-time subject to bondage." Heb. ii. 15. 

Jacob loved his Benjamin so well, that '^ his life was 
bound up in the lad's life : " Gen. xliv. 30. And Jona- 
than was so united to David, that '' he loved him as he 
loved his own soul : " 1 Sam. xx. 17. And such is the 
love of a Christian, that his life is bound up in the life of 
Jesus, who loved us bett^^r than life. He took upon 
him to avenge our wrongs ; conquered our invincible 
foes ; and gained a complete victory for us, over Satan, 
sin, and death. Hence, to the Christian, it is worse than 
death to live in the fear of death, A Christian may 
meet the messenger of death with a holy serenity of 
mind ; bidding a holy defiance to death, as blessed Paul, 
O death where is thy stin^ ? because there is no evil in 
it to him ; death can never separate him from the love of 
God ; and therefore can not be considered a real enemy ; 
true, it kills the body, but cannot touch the soul. The 
God whom you serve iirlife, will be with you in death : 
and conduct you safely through the valley of the shadow 
of death : Ps. xxiii. 4. You are not in the hands of 
death ; but in the hands of Christ ; w ho hath settled all 
disputes, and made up the breach that sin had made 
between you and God : 2 Cor. v. 18, 19. He died and 
conquered death, that ho might deliver them, " who, 
through fear of death, '' in life, could not enjoy tho 
blesssings he purchased for them, being '' all their life- 
time subject to bondage. " He has often delivered y(Ui 
when others have fallen around you ; yea, and he will 
deliver you. Death may be riding in triunijih, but that 
is no proof he will triumph over you. '* A thousand 
shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand, 
but it shall not come nigh the(» : " Ps. xci. 17. Vou 
have both life and hope* in Christ ; therefore, you are 
safe: Rom. viii. .*}8, \\\), Justice demanded your life; 
but Christ has fully satisfied every demand, by laving 
down his life to take up yours: (iai. iii. 10, \'\, And 
this he did, not oidy to deliver you from draili, but the 
ftar of death. Yoiu* fiMirs ar(» groundless ; gi\(» thiMii 
to the winds : for you cimnot die till noiu* work is done 
below, and d(»ath obtains permission from your Father 
who reigns above: Ps. cxvi. 15. 



CHAPTER III. 



PROMISES OF SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN THIS LIFE. 



OF JUSTIFICATION. 



*'ijy Ivis knowledire shall my righteous servant justify many ; for 
be sliall bear their iniquities. " Isa. liii. 11. 

This, indeed, is a precious promise ! Poor, sin-sick 
sou], the Spirit of truth, the blessed Comforter, here 
holds forth an infallible remedy, for yon to look to for 
peace of conscience, and healing of your wounded soul. 
Jesus, the beloved Son of God, took upon him your 
nature, without sin ; and in that nature, had all your sins 
laid upor: him ; was cursed by the law ; wounded, bruised, 
and put to death by divine justice^, that, all your sins 
being found upon him : 1 Pet. ii. 24 : you might be set 
at liberty: Gal. iii. 13: and your soul as perfectly 
healed, as thoaoh it had never been wounded by sin. 
" By his knovjledge, " by the knowledge of Jesus, the 
^'righteous servant ^^ of God, ma7iy poor sinners shall be 
justified, who, by the law, were condemned : Gal. iii. 
10. And why ? ^'^ for he shall bear their iniquities^ 
Sin is a mortal disease ; and the soul must die of it unless 
it be removed ; and there is no way of healing the soul, 
unless sin, the cause of the disease, be taken away. 
This has been done ; the Redeemer '^ hare their iniqui- 
ties " in his own body on the tree ; whose iniquities ? 
the iniquities of '^ many, " '' For, as by one man's 
disobedience, (Adam,) many were made sinners, so by 
the obedience of one, (Jesus,) shall many be made 
righteous:" Rom. v. 19. Hence it is, that Christ, 
standing; in the sinners' stead, with their iniquities upon 
him, they are freed ; while he, on whom their sins are 
found, is condemned ; for '' he bare the sin of many, " 



OF JUSTIFICATIOI^. ^9 

"And by him all that holieve aro justified from all things, from 
whicli ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." Acts xiii. 39. 

As one leak would sink a ship, so would one sin sink 
a soul, were it not removed. We have all sinned ; and 
tlie laio curses every one who transgresses it, though it 
be but once : Gal. iii. 10 : so that by the moral law of 
Moses, all are condemned : Rom. iii. 20 : and our souls 
are too deeply stained, to be cleansed by the blood of 
bulls and goats ; which renders it impossible for the 
ceremonial law to justify us. But Ji:sus Christ '^ hath 
appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself: " 
Heb. ix. 26 ; " He bore our sins in his own body on the 
tree ;" fulfilled the law we had broke ; and is now the end 
of the law for righteousnes, to every one that belleveth : 
Rom. X. 4 : so that justice itself proclaims its own 
faithfulness, in forgiving and cleansing the sinner : 1 John 
i. 9. When Christ became our surety, all our sins, which 
he called debts, were placed to his account ; so that 
there was a complete transfer of our sins to him ; '* and 
hy him all that believe, ^^ having; his ri;^diteousness placed 
to their account, *' are justified ; " not only pardoned, 
but stand in God's sight as though they had never known 
what sin was. He being '' of God made unto us wisdom, 
and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption : " 
1 Cor. i. '30. llonce, it is by him, and him alone, we 
are justified "from all things ; " he completed his work, 
and finished all that his Father gave him to do : John 
xvii. 4 : and all that believe, know that they could never 
be saved by the deeds of the law ; but hav(^ the witness 
in themselves, that they are justified : 1 John. v. 10: 
and that by faith in his blood: Rom. v. 1,9: '"from 
all things from whicli they could nolt be justified by the 
law of Moses:" G;il. ii. 16. This is truly a marvelous 
way of saving sinners! But it is (lod's way. The 
lovers of sin care nothing about it ; the proud, and self- 
righteous rej(»ct it; the jiumble, hel[)less, penitent souls, 
rejoice in it, and give to Christ the glory of it. Rely 
ujmn Christ alone, make his word your rule, and his 
Spirit yom* liuldc*. '^Fry the foundation upon which your 
hopes are huill. Great sins may be hid under great 
duties. Jielievo in, and rtvst upon, Christ alone; and 
then you need not fear Moses, nor his law. 



I 



80 OF JUSTIFICATION. 

"In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall 
glory. " Isa. xlv. 25. 

There is nothing more natural, than for the unrenewed 
to trust in their own strength, and glory in their own 
righteousness. But when a poor soul becomes truly- 
awakened, and made sensible of his utter helplessness ; 
and feels the plague of his own heart, his language is, 
^^ I have no confidence in the flesh. '' Here we have, 

J St. The Believer's source of justification. ''In the 
Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, " Not 
only all the people of the Jews, but also all true Chris- 
tians; who depend upon Christ for strength and right- 
eousness, shall be justified in him, in as much as they are 
the '' seed of Israel ; " a believing, upright, praying seed ; 
and on his account are justified before God : 1 Cor. i. 30. 
Thus the Lord will make good his promise to faithful 
Abraham : Gen. xxvi. 4 : and have all justified '' in the 
Lord: '' Titus iii. 7. It is God that ju-tifieth ; who is 
he that condenmeth ? it is Christ that died : Rom. viii. 
33, 34* The feeblest lamb in the flock of Christ, is 
equally dear to the Lord as the strongest believer, 

*2d. The great duty of believers is, to glory in the 
Lord ; and make all their boast of him. The work is 
the Lord's ; no man can renew himself: Job. xiv. 4 : nor 
atone for himself: Rom, iii. 19, 20 : nor 'keep himself: 
1 Pet. i. 5. From first to last, the work belongs to God ; 
and the least that we can do, is, whilst we are enjoying 
the profits, to let him have all the glory. Your being 
weak in faith, and feeling the workings of carnal nature, 
human reason, and unbelief, is no proof that you are not 
justified in the Lord ; but, on the contrary, are evidences 
of the soul being alive through the faith of Jesus. And 
the same Spirit who begets faith in the heart by the word 
of truth: James i. 18: will also strengthen your faith 
by the same truth ; for Jesus delights in making all his 
members happy, as well as secure. And God has 
pawned his faithfulness for the security of his goodness : 
Ezek. xxxiii. 11. What more can he say, or do, than 
what he has said and done ? Who was it convinced you 
of your sins, but the very God against whom you have 
sinned ? and who now declares, that '' In the Lord shall 
all the seed of Israel be justified. " 



?)i^ :rusTi'ricAtioi^. 81 

*'^* therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God, 
ihrou^li our Lord Jesus Christ. " Rom. v. 1. 

God created man In his own image ; wise, holy, and 
happy ; and made him lord of all that was in the air, 
earth, and sea : Gen. i. 27, 28 : and, as his rightful Sove* 
Yeign, gave him just such a law as seemed him good : Geii. 
ii. 15 — - 17; Man violated that law, the penalty of 
which was death. " Wherefore, as by one man sin entered 
into the world, and death by sin ; and so death passed 
upon all men, for that all have sinned:" Rom. v. 12. 
And sin being a transgression of the law: 1 Jolni iii. 4: 
brought all under a curse ; hut '' Christ hath redeemed 
us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us :" 
Gal. iii. 10, 13. '^ Therefore/^ on this account, Christ 
having been delivered up for our offences, and raised 
again for our justification ; by the merit of his death he 
paid our debt ; in his resurrection he took our acquittance ; 
when in the grave he lay as our surety under an arrest ; 
on the third day a messenger was sent to roll away the 
stone; the prisoner was discharged, and full proof given 
thereby, that he had made satisfaction. So that it is not 
for our works, bat by an obedient dependence upon Jesus 
Christ and his righteousness, that we are saved. There- 
fore, ^' being justified by faith j^'' as Abraham, whose 
faith was accounted to him for righteousness : Rom. iv. 
22 : all guilt is taken away. Sin made us to quarrel 
with God ; and filled our hearts with enmity to him : Rom. 
viii. 7. But, bij faith^ we who are without strength, 
take hold on God's arm, rely on his strength, and so are 
at peace with him: Isa. xxvii. 4, 5. Hence, '^ we have 
pcjfcc with God ;^^ and nothing but friendship and loving 
kindness exists. When Abraham became justified by 
faith, God was pleased to call him hh frietid : James ii, 
23. Jksus called his disciples friends: John xv. 13, 
15: and what mon* can anyone desire than to have 
God for his friend ? Rut all this bles-=;(Mlnoss comes 
^^ through our Lord Jesus Christ ; "' he is the only peace- 
maker, pcace-bringer, and peace-giver; and the only 
way of acc(^ss to God : John xiv. (). And is now our 
Mediator betwi;en God and man : 1 Tim. ii. 5. Hence, 
God is the source, Jesus the Author^ faith the mcansy and 
peace ihcjruit, of our justifwat'utn, 

y 



82 OP PARDON OF Sltf. 

** Who forgiveth all thy iniquities ; who healeth all thy diseasef/ 
Ps. ciii. 3. 

Sin is the souPs disease ; and its effects on the soul 
greatly resemble the effects of disease on the lodij. The 
nature of this disease is truly deplorable^ and can never 
be cured by the art of man. Observe, 

1st. Sin is a moral disease. It affects mankind as 
moral and responsible creatures ; it has destroyed original 
purity ; driven happiness from our world ; and in its 
place introduced misery and affliction. It has darkened 
the understanding, perverted the will, defiled the con- 
science, and alienated the affections from God: Eph. iv. 
18. 2d. It is a universal disease. Every power, pas- 
sion, and faculty, of body and soul, are disordered by it ; 
and its baneful influence has spread through the whole 
mass of mankind, in every nation and chme. The whole 
head is sick, and the whole heart is- faint: Isa. i. 5, 6- 
From the greatest monarch, to the meanest peasant, all 
have felt its effects : Ps. li. 5. 3d. Sin is a mortal 
disease. It brings death with unnumbered woes attend- 
ing in its train. All men by it are rendered subject to 
pain and dissolution of body : Gen. iii. 19. It brings 
spiritual death to the soul, and separates between God 
and man : Eph. ii. 1 — 3. While its wages is death : 
Rom. vi. 23. And vain is the help of man. 

Behold the goodness of our God ! He against whom 
we have sinned has undertook our case ; and appointed 
Jesus Christ a Physician, for the cure of all ou?' diseases 
and maladies : Luke. iv. 18, 19. And he is, 1st. An 
accessable Physician. All are invited to him, with the 
assurance of being admitted : John vi. 37. 2d. He is 
an infallible Physician. None are too sick for him to 
cure ; no case with him is desperate : Heb. vii. 25. 
And 3d. He is the only appointed Physician. All others 
are but quacks : and their prescriptions dangerous ; '^for 
there is none other under heaven given among men 
whereby we must be saved : '^ Acts iv. 12. 4th. He is 
a Je??ez;oZen^ Physician, and performs all his cures gratis ; 
'^ without money and without price, " all are invited to 
corhe and be healed : Matt. xi. 28, 29. It is the very 
nature of God to be full of compassion and tendernesss i 
and the believer knowS; that He forgiveth their inquities- 



or PARDON OF SIN. 83 

** I will be merciful to their nnrighteousnessi, and their sins and 
their iniquities will 1 rernennher no more. " ileb. viii. 12. 

Sad experience daily teaches the behever in Jesus, 
that, thoui^h he cannot Hve in sin, he feels sin living in 
him: Rom. vii. 23. And this corrupt fountain is too 
frequently sending forth its polluted streams, to the great 
annoyance of our souls. It is the Christian's greatest 
trouble to be annoyed by sin ; and his unspeakable com- 
fort to know that God has always delighted in pardoning 
sin ; and that he still makes himself known, as the 
" Lord God gracious and merciful. " Listen to him ! 
He declares, 

Lst. " Iivill be merciful ;" neither shall the greatness of 
their crimes, nor the censures of man prevent it : / will 
freely pardon ; not on account of any worth or merit on 
their part ; Iivill, for my mercies^ sake, " he merciful to 
iheir unrighteousness : " Isa. i. 18. " And their sins, " 
let them be of what kind soever they may, yea, though 
they may be great sins, foul sins, aggravated sins, even 
all unrighteousness, shall be forgiven and forgotten. I 
will be merciful, for I am God; ^Mceeping mercy for 
thousands ; " and delight in forgiving iniquity, transgres- 
sion, and sin:" Exod. xxxiv. 7. 2(1. '' / zr///, " not 
only forgive but forget ; for "their sins and their iniquities 
will I remember no inore. " What lou'^ue can describe 
the blessings connected with pardoning mercy ? Sin 
calls aloud for vengeance ; pardon prevents it ; sin makes 
way for every evil ; pardon opens a door for every good ; 
sin brings wretchedness and death ; pardon brings hap- 
piness and Tde : Rom. vi. 23: 1 Pet. i. 2, 3. 

Poor trem!)ling Cliristian, be assured of it, thy ene- 
mies are all conquered ; notwithstanding, every day's 
experience convinces thee they are not all dead. Sin 
is a bitt(^r enemy, and so n(\u*ly allied to the(\ thou 
inayest consider it a part of thyself; yet, being one with 
thy S iviour, thou h ist a spiritual life in him ; and almighty 
power is engaged in thy defence ; so that sin shall not 
have dominion over thee : Rom. vi. 1 1. IJnl never think 
of sheatbing thy sword, and folding thy hands, lest Satan 
gain an advantage over thee ; for thou art still in the 
camp, <u:r:)undt»d by enemies, and thy only dependence is 
upon the Captain of thy salvation. 



§4 OF PARDON OF STI^r. 

" Come now, and let us reason toorether, saith the Lord; fhoag^ 
your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow ; though they 
be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. " Isa. i. 18. 

" Come, sinner^ just as you are^ with all your guilt 
and consequent wretchedness ; though deeply stained 
with crime, and weltering in your blood ! '- Come, '' I 
have opened a fountain for sin and uncleanness, in 
w^hich you can wash and be cleansed : Zech. xiii. 1. 
But do not delay ; for the longer you stay away the 
worse you will get ; therefore '^ come nom ; ^' and your 
being a gi'eat sinner will afford me an opportunity of 
proving to you, that I am a greater Saviour : Matt. ix. 
12. Do not listen to my enemies, nor reason with flesh 
and blood, nor hold any conference with Satan, for he is 
your accuser ; but " let iis, ^' who are the only parties 
properly concerned, "ret7so/i ^oo^e^JAer ; '' let us debate 
the matter fairly and fully ; and then, I have no doubt 
but you will acknowledge all my ways to be right : Ps. 
exlv. 17. My ungTateful enemies represent me as a 
^^hard mastei';/' and would persuade you that you are 
a sinner too great for me to pardon ; and thus fill thy 
poor soul with legal fears, and slavish dread ; but hearken 
not unto them.. True, thou hast broken my righteous 
law ; but I have redeemed thee from the curse of the 
law : Gal. iii. 10 — 13 : and thou hast destroyed thyself, 
but in me is thy help :. Hos. xiii. 9. It is true, thou 
hast committed crimes of the most flagrant nature, deep 
'^ as srarlet " in their dye ; but let not that keep thee 
from me ; all are atoned for ; and " they shall he ichite 
as snowJ^ You may be ready to say you have lain so 
long in your sins, and so steeped in guilt, that you are 
dyed, even '■^ like crimson. ^' All that is true ; but the 
blood of my son, Jesus, cleanses from all sin, and will 
change them all to the most perfect whiteness ; yea, they 
shall be white as snow, and tcooL Do not doubt ; for 
though 1 am just, I am the justifier of him that believeth 
in Jesus: Rom. iii. 26. Come, and be made happy in 
my love ; I am just in forgiving thy sins : 1 John i. 9. 
Leave behind you all your duties, humblings, and holi- 
ness, and come to me with all your sins, guilt, and 
wretchedness : and prove that I am able and willing tcfe 
pardon, cleanse, and bless you ; but come nowJ^ 



OF PARDON OF SIN. 85 

«» Come unto mo, all ye that labor and are licavy laden, and I will 
give you rest. " Matt. xi. 28. 

Thk carnal Jews labored hard to recommend them- 
selves to God, by the observance of various rites and 
ceremonies : Rom. x. 3. And, in the days of Jesus, 
bound still heavier burdens upon the shoulders of others, 
than they themselves were willing to bear, and which 
Christ calls a '' yoke, " And, it is to be lamented, there 
are still those who are called Christians, who are no less 
sanguine in their expec^tations of being saved by their 
own endeavors ; hence they toil and labor to cancel their 
debt, and atone for' their sins ; and thus obtain that 
heaven they are conscious they have forfeited ; not 
knowing that Jesus is the only way to the Father : 
Jolm xiv. 6. 

Do thy corruptions harrass thee ? do sinful passions 
annoy thee ? do temptations beset thee ? are thy sins a 
burden to thee? Hark ! Thy Saviour speaks to thee. 
He calls thee to him. Listen to him. 

1st. His gracious invitation, ^' Come unto 7/2C." He 
pities your condition ; and, after all you have done, kindly 
invites you to himself. There can be no mistake ; it is 
you he calls ; he means you, it is evident, for he describes 
your condition. '' Come unto me, all ye (hat hihor and 
are heavy laden ; " your burden is heavy, but I am both 
able and willing to bear it ; cast it upon me : Ps. Iv. '2*2. 
Come, and bring nothing with you but your burden and 
miseries ; all your tug-j^inij; and toiling is in vain ; your 
load beco lies heavier, and you grow weaker, by keeping 
away, Come, I am your Saviour : Luke \ix. 10 : your 
friend: John xv. 15: and will in no wise cast you out : 
John vi. 37. 

2(1. Th(5 blessing promised, '^ I ivill give you rcst.^* 
Did I ever give you any cause to doubt my willingness ? 
Wljy not com(», then ? Doubt no more ; ht^lieve, and 
thou shalt Ixvsavcd : Mark xvi. 15. My name is Jksus ; 
and my delightful business is, to save sinners from their 
sins : Matt. i. 21. *' 1 wiUy " not only ** give you rest '* 
now, but shall Ix^ pleascMi to have you call upon \m^ at 
any futures pi'riod. I will use all my influence in (\)urt 
on your behalf; and whatsoever yo shall ask the Father 
in my name, that will I do : John xiv. 13, 14* 
8* 



86 OF PARDON OF SIN. 

" Look ui>to me^ and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth ; for 
I am God and there is none else. " Isa. xlv. 22. 

Never was there a sensible sinner half so wiHino: to 
be saved, as the God against whom he has sinned is to 
save him : Ezek. xxxiii. II. " The Lord is not wilhng. 
that any should perish, but that all should come to re- 
pentance : ^' 2 Pet. iii. 9. How long, fellow-sinner, 
will you ponder over these things within and around you, 
instead of looking to w^hat is above you ? From the 
pride of our nature, and the unbelief of our hearts, we 
are prompted to think of doing something: to procure the- 
favor of God, forgetting that our loving God is not the 
cause, but the effect of his love to us : 1 John iv. 19^ 
Close your ears to carnal reason, and unbelief; and 
attend to the gracious invitation here given, by a gracious 
God. 

"'^ LooJc unto me. '' I am the God whose laws you 
have broken, and whose goodness you have despised ; 
but let that not prevent your looking unto me. Sorrow 
not as though you had no hope ; but "look unto me, 
and be ye saved. '^ You have no sin but what has been 
atoned for by my well-beloved Son ; you need no per- 
fection but what his righteousness supplies. I love you, 
and am well pleased with you for his sake. Think not 
that my mercy is limited : for unto me shall all flesh 
come: Ps. Ixv. 11. Therefore, " look unto me, all ya 
ends of the earth/'^ for I will be exalted among the 
heathen, I will be exalted in the earth : Ps, xlvi. 10. 
^^ { have sw^orn by myself, the word has gone out of my 
mouth in righteousness. That unto me every knee shall 
bow^, ever tongue shall confess :; '^ Ver. 23. '^ For I am 
God J and there is none else ^' so fit to rule ; nor so able 
to save ; for I am a just God and a Saviour :.. Ver. 21. 
Do not pacify your troubled conscience by external 
performances ; for that w^ould be mistaking the means of 
grace for grace itself. Many h-dve fled to me for refuge, 
and have laid hold of the hope I set before them : Heb. 
vi. 18. But, should you be so heavily laden with guilt 
that you cannot j^y, run with patience the race set before 
you ; and if you are so oppressed that you cannot run, 
walk in the way marked out for you ; and if you are too 
feeble to walk, then '' look unto me, and be ye saved. '' 



L 



OF PARDON OF SIN. 8? 

«* Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." 
Matt. V. 4. 

God is no respecter of persons : Acts x. 34 : yet hath 
he respect unto the lowly : Ps. cxxxviii. 6. Many make 
themselves miserable, in striving to make themselves 
comfortable ; and in endeavoring to make themselves 
righteous, fall short of the righteousness of God : Rom. 
X. 3. To know ourselves to be lost and undone sinners, 
destitute of righteousness, to be feelingly alive to a sense 
of our condition, and to believe that all we need is in 
Christ, lies at the very foundation of true godliness. To 
desire salvation from sin in God's way, and to mourn 
after it, is peculiar to the quickened soul ; for the dead 
mourn not ; neither are they capable of receiving com- 
fort. What more could the Saviour say to comfort 
those who mourn on account of their sins, than here he 
has said ? 

1st. He does not say they shall he blessed ; but " Ucss- 
ed are they, " even now. Do you ask, why is it that 
you cannot feel happy, if you are uoiv blessed ? The 
reason is, because you do not believe ; and you cannot 
receive it but by faith ; for it is by grace you are saved 
through faith, as the means : Eph. ii. 8. That iliitli 
which unites the sinner to the Saviour, is God's gift ; but 
you must ask it of him, and he will give it to you : Matt, 
vii. 7. He will also give you power to exercise it ; but 
will not believe for you ; no, that is your act, to believe : 
JdIui i. 12. Neither can you be happy so long as you 
keep on believing that he will bless you ; for by so doin<T 
you will always keep the blessing ahead of you : Matt, 
xxi. '2'2, Believe what God says, that you '' are blcss^ 
erf," even now ; for the Lord's time is now: 2 Cor. vi* 
2. Doubt no more. For, 

2d. He declares you '' shall be comforted ; '^ as sure 
as mourning goes before comfort, so sure does comfort 
follow mourning. Give God your whole heart ; and he 
will give you a whole Saviour ; love is in his heart, 
though wrath may ajipear in his conduct : Isa. liv. 8. 
Nature, sense, and feeling, write hitler things against you, 
while your Saviour loves you, O, how infinite his love ! 
his salvation, how com|)lcte ! his presence, how cheering ! 
his promises, how precious ! 



88 TO BACKSLIDERS. 

" I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely. " Ro- 
sea xiv. 4. 

Return unto the Lord thy God ; for thou hast fallen 
by thine iniquity: Ver 1. Instigated by the enemy of 
your soul, and prompted by your natural corruptions, in 
an unguarded hour, you turned your back upon your 
best, your only real friend ; who, though you have acted 
so base a part, is not willing to give you up ; but still 
calls after, and invites you to return. Satan may sug- 
gest, that it is of no use your thinking of ever obtaining a 
sense of your Father's forgiving love again ; for you are 
too great a sinner for God to forgive ; seeing you have 
not only sinned against your own soul, but have crucified 
the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 
It is true, you are a great sinner, a backsliding siniier; 
and all such are the worst of sinners ; yea, and che Lord 
knows it ; but so far from upbraiding or threate ling you 
on account of it is he, that he now invites and urg3s 
upon you to return. Are you now praying God to take 
away all your iniquity ? He says, '' I will : " Jer. iii. 22. 
You say, I am deeply wounded ; the Lord says, '^ I will 
heal. " Your soul may be badly diseased, but then, it 
is not incurable ; and the greater the disease, the more ' 
need of a Physician : Matt. ix. 12. The Lord here de- 
clares your case is not hopeless, and that you may safely 
rely upon his goodness ; and trust to him for a sound 
cure. " I will heal their baclislidings.^' Do you de- 
sire that the Lord would receive you graciously ? For 
your comfort, he assures you, that he will not only do 
tliat, but '^ will love you freely, " He will love you just 
as though there had never been anything amiss on your 
part : Titus iii. 5. He will heal your backslidings by 
applyino; pardoning mercy ; receive you graciously, as a 
tender Father would a lorg-lost son ; and love you freely 
as he did before you strayed. Go, poor, backslidden 
soul, go at thy Maker's call ; parley not with the enemy; 
he has lied to thee formerly ; and will do it again, if you 
will lend him your ears. Your having wandered from 
God has made no change in him ; He is the same gra-^ 
cious and loving God now he ever was ; do your first 
works, return unto him, stay with him, and he will heal 
your wounds, and love you freely. 



TO BACKSiEDEKS. 89 

»* All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men.'* 
Matt. xii. 31. 

Sin is our hell : but Jesus, the Lamb of God, taketh 
away our sin ; then we have heaven within us : and to 
know, beheve in, follow and obey him, constitutes our 
greatest happiness in this life. Do not be discouraged ; 
but suffer me to tell you in God's name, and in Christ'^ 
stead : 2 Cor. v. 20 : that though your sins may arise 
like mountains, and your crimes be piled to the very 
hea,vens, mercy is as free for you as the air you bieatlie : 
Matt. ix. 13. The enemy will, no doubt, suggest, that 
you have committed the '-unpardonable sin ;" thai you 
have sinned against so much hght, sinned with so high a 
hand, slighted so much goodness, grieved the Spirit of 
God so often, resisted so many convictions, treated v» iih 
contempt so many offers of grace, and, both in word and 
deed, done all that in you lay to oppose the cause of 
rehgion, so that now it would only be an act of presuni po- 
tion even to attempt to seek, or hope for mercy. But 
believe him not ; he is now as he ever was, " a liar from 
the beginning. " Your Saviour says, " all manner of 
sin, " though ever so honious in its nature, though com- 
mitted under the most agi^ravating circumstances, though 
ever so often repeated, and though ever so long continued^ 
there is mercy with God that can reach it ; yea, " aiid 
hlasphemy^ " a sin which strikes directly at the namo 
and honor of God, ''shall be forgiven. ^^ Mind that* 
Paul was at one time a blasphemer ; yf»t he obtained 
mercy: I Tim. i. 13. Peter obtained mercy, after so 
awfully denying his Lord ; and so will you, if you bufi 
ask it; and then you will be read\ to say, '' who is Jk 
God like unto thee, pardoning ini(|uity ? ^' Micah. vii. 
18. " All manner of sin shall be forgiven " unto win ; '* 
ALL men, of alt ranks and conditions. This is lovo, 
boundless love ; love to th(» whole world : 1 John ii. 2* 
ChcMir up ; look at yourself as i\ sinner: but look at 
Christ as a Saviour. Praise God, that he kept it out of 
your power to commit one sin that he could not pardon. 
The Spirit of God is still striving with you ; or you 
woidd not be so concerned about your soufs salvatiou ; 
follow his iastruclious ; " go in j)eace, and sin no more* '' 



90 OF SALVATION THROUGH CHRIST. 

** He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for 
our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon hin ; and 
with his stripes we are heuJed. '' Isa. liii. 5. 

Well may the apostle Paul say, " the love of Christ 
passeth knowledge : Eph. iii. 19 : for he was born unto 
us: Isa. ix. 6: gave himself for us : Eph. v. 2: was 
delivered up for us : Rom. v. 32 : and here we are 
told, he was ivounded — bruised — chastised — and strip- 
ed. But why so cruelly treat him ? what harm hath he 
done ? No harm ; neither was guile ever found in his 
mouth : I Pet. ii. 22. His whole life was one continued 
act of benevolence. He '' went about doing good : " 
Actsx. 38. Do you ask again, for what, then, did he 
suffer all this ? For our transgressions ; and lor our 
iniquities, was he thus wounded and bruised ; to atone 
for them, and purchase salvation for us^: 2 Cor. v. 
21. When man had sinned, and by his transgression 
ruined himself and all his posterity, the adorable Jesus 
became his surety, stood up for the human family, and 
engaged in their behalf. And, consequently, all our 
debts, our iniquities, were imputed to, and laid upon him ; 
'^ he bore them in his own body on the tree : " 1 Pet. 
ii. 24: and the very wounds, and bruises, that Vv^e had 
merited, he had inflicted upon him. And having put 
away our sins, by the sacrifice of himself, God can be as 
just in saving the sinner, as he was in afflicting the 
Saviour : Rom. iii. 25, 26. Thus it is that mercy 
triumphs, grace reigns, sinners are saved, and saints 
rejoice. " There is therefore now no condemnation to 
them which are in Christ Jesus ; " no ; where there is 
no sin there can be no guilt: Rom. viii. 1. The 
believer knows that his sins have been laid upon Jesus ; 
therefore, God, doth not impute them to the sinner ; but 
to the Saviour : and accounts, or imputes, righteousness 
to us on the Saviour's account: Rom. iv. 6 — -8. True, 
thou hast committed sins innumerable ; but it is equally 
true, that Jesus hath been wounded, and bruised for them ; 
and since thy surety has suffered in thy stead, thou art 
free. Hence flows thy peace, thy holiness, thy heaven. 
Christ was wounded, to cure our wounds ; bruised, to 
restore us to soundness ; chastised, that we might go free ; 
and striped, that we might be healed. 



OP SALVATION THROUGH CHRIST. 91 

"Neither is there salvation in any other ; for there is none other 
flame under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." 
Acts iv. 12. 

The cause of condemnation is sin ; the blood of 
Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin : 1 John i. 7 : and he 
having by the grace of God tasted death for every man ; 
Heb. ii. 9 : is the Saviour of all men, especially of those 
that beheve : 1 Tim. iv. 10. " Neither is there salva- 
tion in any other ; " for, no form, no creed, no sect, no 
party, can avail us anything ; but faith in Jesus, which 
works by love, will purify the heart, and avail us much : 
Gal. V. 6. '' For there is none other name than that of 
Jesus, under heaven given among men," that can be of 
any saving benefit to us. We, as sinners, have destroyed 
ourselves ; and have not the least ability to save our- 
selves : Hos. xiii. 9. But our dear Saviour has done 
the work completely ; he made full satisfaction to law 
and justice ; freed us from sin and death ; and restores 
unto us our forfeited peace with God. You may feel 
the remains of corrupt nature still lurking within ; and 
which, too frequently, a[)pear without, causing grief to 
your soul ; but be of good courage, and pray against 
those corruptions of the heart ; resting assured, that sin 
shall not have dominion over you ; for we are no longer 
under the law, but under grace. '' What then ? shall 
we sin, because we are not under the law, but under 
grace ? God forbid : " Rom. vi. 14, 15. Jesus, is the 
name that cheers our hearts, and bids our A^ars begone ; 
it is the only name " xcherchy ye must he savcdJ^^ Tliere is 
none other ; neither do we want any other ; for that 
name is great, both in heaven and under heaven : Matt, 
xxviii. 18. He had this ^^ name given among 7nen ; '' 
sinful men, lost men, men that he came to save ; for his 
business into the world was, to seek, and to save, that 
which was lost :" Ijuk(^ xix. 10. Audit is certain that 
he did not return witliout finishing his work : John xvii, 
4 : xix. l]i), S(<'ph(Mi died calling upon this naine : 
Acts vii. 60 : Paul prayed, and received answers to his 
prayers, in this name : '2 Cor. xii. 8. 9: and so have 
millions; and so will millions more : Rom. x. II — 13. 
]!(» trod tlu^ wim'press al6ne ; and he saves alone. His 
righteousness alone, will ride triumphant ; all the rest 
must come tumblinix down. 



?^S OF SALVATION THROUGH CttRiS^. 

" In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of 
David and to the inhabitants Tsf Jerus-aletii, Ibr sin and uncleanness.'^ 
Xech. xiii. 1. 

We have a beautiful metaphor here, in the term 
^^fountQin,'^ to represent the mediatorial character o( 
Christ; as the source and medium of salvation to the human 
family. The prophet evidently testifies beforehand, ^'the 
sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.'' 
Observe, 

1st. It is not a wasting stream that is here spoken of ; 
but a '' fount ahi,^^ ever-flo\^ ing, never-failing ; always 
yielding full supplies for eveiy demand. Enough for 
all ; both to pacify and purify : John iv. 14. 

2d. Mark the freeness of God's grace : it is not a 
fountain sealed, nor confined to a few favored individuals ; 
but a fountain opened. None are forbidden ; but all 
are invited ; and whoever will may come and welcome * 
Rev. xxii* IT. 

3d. Tliis fountain \v?.s viriually opened in the original 
plan of redemption ; according to God's gracious designs : 
Rev. xiii. 8. And in due time, the plan of reconciliation 
was announced to the world, and the fountain of grace 
gradually opened and revealed, in the various promises 
made to the patriarchs^ and inspired predictions of the 
holy prophets ; and shadowed forth by the ceremonial 
law under the Mosaic dispensation* And was actually 
opened in the mediatoral work of the Redeemer, '^ in that 
day " when he had finished the work of man's redemp- 
tion : Heb. i. 1 — 3. 

4th. We are told to whom it was opened. To the 
Jews Christ vs'as promised, and to them he came as his 
own people after the fle^h : but his own received him 
not: John i. 11. But the blessings of this fountain, 
(the Redeemer) were not to be confined to the '' house 
of David, nor to the inhabitants of Jerusalem : " He 
was sent to be '• ahght to the Gentiles, and for salvation 
to the ends of the earth : " Acts xiii. 47. 

5th. The purpose for which it was opened ; ^' for sin 
and imdeannessJ^ A new and living way is here opened 
to guilty, polluted man : Ps. Ixxxv. 10. Such an one 
as was t3'pified by the sacrifices, foretold by the prophets, 
and accomplished when Jesus was wounded for us. 



OF SALVATION THROUGH CHRIST. 93 

'''In whom we have rc<lemplion through hi« blood, the furgivcnesa 
of sins. " Eph. i. 7. 

Hearkb^.v, my beloved, ^Miear what God the Lord 
will speak ; for he will speak peace unto his people, and 
to his saints : " Ps. Ixxxv. 8. Here are no ijs^ huts, nor 
maij'bcs ; but the certainty and assurance of God's free 
love to sinners ; in and through his " well-beloved Son. " 
*^ la whom, " that is, in Jesus, " we '' who had sold 
ourselves for naught : Isa. lii. 3 : '' have redemption ; " 
are bought back, ransomed, recovered from the ruin of 
our fall, and reinstated in our former possessions and en- 
joyments* Such as, 

1st, Acceptance with God ; who, '^ to the praise of the 
glory of his grace, hath made us accepted in the Be- 
loved : Eph. i. 6. 

2d. Conformity to the glorious image of God. ^- In 
the day that God created man, in the likeness of God 
made he him: " Gen. v. 1 : both righteous and holy ; 
consequently happy. Sin greatly defaced that image ; 
but in Christ we have that iinageof our Maker restored ; 
for what we lost in the first Adam, we have redeemed 
by our Second Adam : 9 Cor. iii. 18. 

3d. Fellowship with God. Adam had it ; but lost it 
by transgression. Christ has bought it back ; and now, 
we, tlu'ough believing in him, 'Miave fellowship with the 
Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ : " 1 John i. 3. 

4th. Adoption into the family of God. ^' For through 
him (Christ) we both (Jews and Gentiles) have access 
unto the Father by one Spirit: " Eph. ii. 18. Happy 
those who have embraced the Saviour as he is fix^ely 
offered in the gospel. For ''to them gave he i)ower to 
becomci the sons of God : " John 1. 1'2. '" Belovtul, now 
are we the sons of God : '^ 1 John iii. 9. <« And if child- 
ren, th(Mi heirs ; heirs of God, aiul joint-luMrs with Christ :'' 
Rom. viii. 1 7. 

5lh. Freedom fmm tlu^ curse under which we lay. 
For, " Christ hath redeemed us from the cui-sc of the law, 
being made a cur:e for us: '' Gal. iii. 13. 

Gth. All th/is HH'.overy, or rediMuption, is without 
money. *' \V^i have dedcMuption through his blood ; *' 
the pre'jious blool of the Lord Jesus Christ : 1 Pet. 
i. 18, 19. 

9 



94 OF ADOPTIOy. 

" Thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer ; thy name is from 
everlasting. " Isa. Ixiii. 16. 

When sinners become sensible, a sight cf their own 
nakedness and poverty would make (hem truly miserable^ 
were it not that righteousness is revealed as God's un- 
speakable gift by Jesus Christ. Grace reigns through 
his righteousness ; and v/e enjoy the knowledge and 
comfort that we are counted right ecus through faith in 
bim : Roin. iv. 6. Adoption, in a scriptural sense, is, 

1st. National ; v. hereby God takes a \\hole people 
under his special care and government, and bestows or- 
dinances and other privileges upon them as his visible 
church. This adoption, for abctit 15-00 years, pertained 
only to the Jews : Rom. ix. 4. 

2d. Spiritual : in \\hich sinful men, by nature 
children of wrath r Eph. ri. 3 r are, upon their receiving 
Christ; by faith, as their Savicur, taken into the special 
favor of God : John i. 12 : have spiritual communion 
with him, and are entitled to all his promises, sal- 
vation, and glory, as their everlasting inheritance r 1 
Pet. i. 3. 4. And, as his children, they are loretJ^ 
taught, governed, corrected, protected, helped, and pro- 
vided for by him. This adoption aU tme belie^'ers have 
received ; and have the Holy Spirit bearing witness wrth 
their spirits, that they are the children cf God: Rom. 
viii. 15 — 17. And having the Spirit of Christ in their 
hearts, they are enabled to say, '' TJioiu O Lord, art 
cur Father : '" GaJ. iv. 6 : and knowing that their sal- 
vation is of God, they grateflilly acknowledge him as 
their Redeemer : Titus iii. 5 : Eph. ii. 8, 9. 

3d. Ghrious ; in which, at the last great day, they 
shall all be acknowledged to be the sons ol God : 1 John 
iii. 2. And it is for this adoption the saints now wait : 
Rom. viii. 23. 

Whatever God has made himself knoVv*n to us by, 
that is his '^ name ; '*' such as, his mercy, goodness, truth, 
SiC. ; and every believer will say, '• Thy narne is from 
everlasting : '^ Heb. i. 10 — 12. It is the unspeakable 
arivilege of the Christian to approach God, not as an 
pngry Judge, but as a kind Father ; not as a haughty 
tyrant, but gracious Redeemer : Isa: xli. 14. What can 
we desire more than such a Father and Redeemer? 



or ADOPTION. 95 

** Beliold wlint mnnnor of love the Father hath hestowed upon 
us, that we shouhi he called the sons of God I " 1 John iii. 1.. 

Bkhold ! Look! Observe! Do see ! '' what man- 
ner of love ! " Love without a paralell ! ^' the Father " 
of li;^lits, from whom every good descends, '* hath ie- 
stowerl, " graciously given to, and conferred '- upon us ; " 
who have been so ungrateful, so base, so undeserving, 
'' that ive " — we sinners — we rebels — we children of 
wrath — we cursed — we aliens — that " we should be 
called the sous of God, " What boundless love ! and 
amazing condescension ! It is God who calh i;s sons ; 
and he never mis-Z7\\h anything ; we may therefore rest 
assured we are sons ; and he is not ashamed to be called 
our Father. The Father bestowed the Son upon us : 1 
John iv. 9, 10: and the Son bestowed himself, and hath 
redeemed us : 1 Tim. ii. 6 ; and made us his brethren : 
Heb. ii. 17 : and the Father hath adopted us, and made 
us his sons: Rom. viii. 15 — 17. Love like this de- 
mands our soul — our life — our all. So fond is the 
Fa'ihcr of his children, that he calls them all by his own 
name: Rev. iii. 1-2: he gives them every good thing to 
enjoy here: 1 Tim: vi. 17: and he lays up an abun- 
dance for them hereafter: Ps. xxxi, 19. 

The hapj)ine3S and privileges of the sons of God are 
great beyond description ; for, though they have a greater 
share of sufleving than other men, they have blessings 
and consohitions to which all others are entire strangers; 
and w hat tlrry (Mijoy while in this life, is not lo be com- 
pared to tlie honors and enjoynuMils that await iIkmu 
when they come of age : 1 Cor. ii. 9. Let us remt ni- 
ber, that God is our everlasting Father; who has begotten 
himself in us, and us in himself. His light, his loveJiis 
wisdom, his power, his strength, is \n us : John i. 16. 
This is but a very faint view of the inestimable love, 
riches, honor, and glory, befpieathed to ruin<'d sinners by 
New-Testament love ; ratiOed and Srcaled l>y tlie blood 
of Jksus our ('l(l<*r brother. How ought tl)is view of 
God's lov(? to fill our hearts with gratitude, i\vr our sends 
with ecstacy, and loo^e our longiuvs to praise him who 
l)ath so loved us! The love of the Father Hows to us 
tljrougli ilie heart of our (h'ar Jc^su-?. Surely, then, it is 
agreat honor U) be a son of (un! ! Let us live as such. 



96 OF ADOPxroisr. 

"I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first-born./' Jer. 
xxxi. 9. 

They are not all Israel, which are of Israel : Rom. ix. 
6. Neither are they all Christians, who are called 
Christians. A man may have a good outside, and a bad 
inside ; but all who are born of God, they are the Israel 
of God ; because they are the begotten of God : 1 Pet. 
u S. All such are the adopted of God : Gal. iv. G : they 
are of the family of God : Eph. iit. 15: and God declares 
himself to be their Father: 2 Cor. vi. 18. Observe, 

1st. He does not say I was, but '^lam a Father to 
Israel ; " ungrateful as-- Israel has been, that has made 
no change in owe relationship. Though w^e frequently 
forget the relationship in which we stand to God^ he 
never forgets the relation in which he stands to us : Jer. 
xxxi. 3. What base ingratitude, to turn our backs upon 
a Father so kind ; and wander from him, after his hav- 
ing done so much for us ! Indeed, if sad experience 
did not prove the contrary, it would seem impossible for 
crea.tmT.s, who have experienced so much of his good- 
ness, to prove so base as to make such ill returns. And 
can it be possible, that God would ever own those, who, 
after all that he has done, turn away from him and de- 
spise his love ? yea, and more than that, it is certain* 
For, 

2d, He declai-es, ^^Ephi^ahn,^^ wandering, backslid- 
ing, ungratefol, idolatrous Ephraini, "Z5 my first-born, '^ 
Yes, Ephraim has left his father, wasted his substance, 
and been among the swine, and following his idols; and 
deserves not even the name of a son ; still his Father 
owns and loves him ; yea, calls him his '^ First-horn ; " 
because he is one wdth his only begotten Son,wdio is the 
fj'st-horn of every creature: Col. i. 14, 15: and in 
whom, and througli whom, he is also pleased to accept 
of us ; and call us his sons : Eph. i. 6, 7. For as many 
as receive Christ, that is, believe on him, they have the 
privilege of becoming the sons of God : John i. 12. 
Christians are nobly privileged, greatly dignified, and 
highly honored ; it is, therefore, a great pity they should 
disgrace themselves by mingling with the w^orld : 2 Cor. 
yi. 17. A believer is a son of God, by the Son of God ; 
§0 that w^e are indebted to God for every good. 



OF ADOPTION. 97 

** Ye arf< all tijc cltildrcn of God bv faitli in Christ Jesus." 
Gal. iii. 26. 

Great and mmifold are the blessings and privileges 
of all believers in God's dear Son ; they are no longer 
counted as transgressors, foreigners, aliens, servants ; but 
sons. Observe, 

Ist. The persons here spoken of, ye ; ye Jews, who 
have long hid the form of godhness without the power; 
ye Gentiles, who so long had neither form nor power ; 
ye apostate sinners, who, so recenth^ were haters of 
God, despisers of his law, rebels against his righteous 
government, Yt who have been so strongly in league 
with sin, death, and hell, look back, and mourn over 
what you have been ; but look now, and rejoice at what 
ye now are. Behold what grace has done for yc ! 
For, 

2d. ^' Ye are ail the children of God ! " Strange 
alteration, indeed ! However, it is true ; and ye have 
all a just claim to all the privileges of children. Hence, 
you may approach God as your kind Father at all times, 
and under every circumstance ; without the least fear oJ 
iHeeting with a disappointment. In difhculty, he will 
direct you : James i. 5 : in danger, a celestial soldier 
guards you : Ps. xxxiv. 7 : in the lime of trial, he will 
support you : Ps. 1. 22 : when you pass through afllic- 
lions, he will accompany you ; Ps. xliii. 2 : from trouble 
he will deliver you : Ps. 1. 15 : in every condition, his 
grace is suflijient : 2 Cor. xii. 9.: in death, he will bo 
with you : Ps. xxiii. 4 : and in eternity you shall be with 
him : John xiv. 3 : and no mortal knows, w hat truly 
great and good things ho has laid up for his children, on 
ihcir arrival at home : I ('or. ii. 9. 

yd. This i> obtained, not on the ground of innocency, 
nor good works ; hut ^< by faith ; '' ilvM faith that neither 
dictates to, nor cavoly; at, the word ofCJod; but ap- 
proaches the liihh^ to impiirii what it tcachi's : and 
promptly o!)eys whatever God commands ; ;nul claims 
all wliirli he lias promised. (Jod gave his Son for you ; 
tlie Spirit gave faith to you ; hence Jesus became, pre- 
cious in your ey<'s : I l*ei. ii. 7 : and ye becamo ** ihc 
ChildrcMi of (iod by faith in Christ Jesus.'' 

4th. In Christ, and him alone you claim the privileges. 
*/ 



98 OF FREE ACCESS TO GOD. 

" Tlie Lord is nigh unto nil them tliat call upon him, to all that 
call upon him in truth. " Ps. cxlv. IS. 

Sincere, upright souls, are "aware, that they have to 
do with a God who searches the heart, and tries the reins 
of the children of men ; to him they appeal, and desire 
to be tried by him ; and to have everything removed 
that would be ofiensive to him : Ps. cxxxix. 23, 24. 
Observe, 

1st. '• The Lord is nigh; " never out of call ; but 
always at hand ; and if a neighbor that is nigh, is better 
than a brother afar off, how great must be the privilege 
of those who have God always ni£,^h ! Isa.xli. 10. The 
Lord is no respecter of persons. For, 

2d. He is nigh unto '• all them thai call iijpoii him ; '' 
no matter which way they turn, they are sure to meet 
with him : Ps. cxxxix. 7 — 12. Darknesss may sur- 
round you, friends may be far from you, and earth, death, 
and hell, may level their envenomed darts at you ; but 
no matter, while the Lord is nigh you : Ps. Ixxxv. 9. All 
you have to do, is to be careful to sustain the character, 
and then you can claim the promise, Call upon him, 
and you will find him nigh to answer every call : Isa. 
Iviii. 9, 10, But if we would be successful m all our 
calls, we must be careful not to indulge in anv known 
sin : Ps. Ixvi. 18. 

3d. He is not said to be nigh, bnt unto •• all that call 
upon him in truth, '^ He is a God of truth ; we must 
therefore call upon him in truth. While in the flesh, 
the heart must be narrowly watched, that it wander not 
from God, while with our lips we call upon him ; or we 
shall call in vain : Matt. xv. 7-^—9. We have every 
inducement to call upon him ; the way is clear : Heb. x. 
19 — 22 : we have a friend in court : Heb. vii. 25 : we 
are invited, so that we are sure to meet with a hearty 
welcome : James iv. 8 : yea, we are commanded to call 
upon him ; so that it would be a sin not to call : Ps. 1. 
15 : neither is there any fear of being put off with a 
cold ' Can't you call again : ' Isa. xlv. 19. Were we 
not straitened in our own bowels, we should never find 
the Lord straitened in his. If we call and receive not, 
it is because we have called in an improper manner; for 
we could never call at an improper season : Jas. iv. 3 — 6. 



1 



OF FREE ACCESS TO GOD. 99 

" Through him we both have access by one Spirit unto llie 
Father. " Eph. ii. 18. 

What a pity it is, that those wlio have free access to 
God, should live so far from God ! Our hearts and 
affections, too frequently, get roving on the high roads of 
earthly pleasures, riches, or honors ; where clouds of 
dust arise, that so obscure our sight we cannot see our 
way to God ; nor scarcely tell where we are. But here 
we are reminded, 

1st. That '• through him, '^ that is, through Christ 
Jesus ; w^ho is the way, the truth, and the life, we may 
freely go to the Father. John xiv. 6. Because w^e are 
his members ; one with him, chosen in him, beloved in 
him, viewed in him, saved in him ; and loved with the 
very same love: John xvii. 23. Through Jesus, 

2d. '^ We both/' Jews and Gentiles; whether high 
or low, bond or free, churchmen or dissenters; '^ have 
access unto the Father, '^ We have all o;ie Father : 
Mai. ii. 10: we are -dW one in Christ; have all one 
H 'ad, 07ie Comforter, and one Spirit, by whom we all 
have access to one God. Ijdi this faith, then, quell all 
unholy contentions, and excite all heavenly love to each 
other. Sin created a quarrel between us and God ; and 
Christ hath made peace between us: Eph. ii 14. Sin 
blocked up the old way to the Father through ^\orks, but 
Christ has made a new one, through himself. Heb. x. 
20. The Father has now reconciled ns to himself: 2 
Cor. V. 18 : made ns his sous, and declares himself to 
be o?/r Father : 2 Cor. vi. 18 : and has erected a throne 
of grace for us to come unto ; with full liberty to approach 
that throne, with all our wants and woes: Heb. iv. 16. 
But bear in mind, 

3(1. Christ, the Son, is the only way of access to the 
Father: John xiv. G: and by the help of the Spirit, 
he cnlii^ditcMis our minds, and gives us hearts to come : 
John vi. 4'1. Thus it is all owing to the boundless 
grace of God, from first to lust, that we have access to 
him. What infinite rirlies of \s isdom, grace, and love, 
in the new creation in Christ Jesus ! allot* which are of a 
S|)iritual and lieavenly nature. Whatever tempests may 
arise, or darkness surround you, you can always find 
access to a faithful Covenant-keeping God. 



100 OF SANCTiliiNG GRACE, 

'' Tlie Lord God is a sun and a shield : the Lord will give grace 
and glory : no good thing vviil he vvilliold from lliem that walk 
uprighiiy." Ps. Ixxxiv. 11, 

This world, to the Christian, may be considered a 
wilderness, dark, and dangerous, through which he is 
called to pass ; and without a guide and guard, it would 
be impossible for him to get through it in safety : Phil, 
iii. 18, 19. Here we have a redundancy of gracious 
declarations and precious promises. 

1st. '• The Lord Gad, '* who hurled the sun from his 
grasp, and bid the planets roll, '^ is a sun, ^^ to enlighten 
cheer, comfort, warm, aad guide, the travellers of Zion, 
as they journey toward the Sun ; and who on their arri- 
val will shine as the sun : Matt. xiii. 43. Your way 
may be difficult, but you }]ave a good light ; so that by 
looking well to your steps, 3/ou need not fall. Dangei*s 
may surround you, but let not that discourage you. For, 
^ 2d. The Lord is also '- a shield ; " and one too, that 
Will cover you every -v, ay : Isa. Iii. 12. The darts of 
the enemy may be constantly flying thick around you, 
but let not that give you any concern, v/hile you are so 
well defended by so good a shield : Ps. v. 12. Per- 
haps you are ready to say, ^^ but my fears are so great, 
and my strength so small ; my foes so powerful and my 
faith so feeble ; that I sometimes think I shall have to 
give up the struggle.'' Give up ! what ! so long as it is 
written, 

3d. '^ The Lord ivill give grace ! " Never : never 
let such a brat be sheltered under your roof. You can- 
not stand, it is true, without grace ; but that you shall 
have ; and enoug'i too, to replenish all your graces. 
Only be careful to improve the grace you have ; and the. 
Lord will give sufficient : 2 Cor. xii. 9. The Lord 
does not intend you should stop in this world of woes 
but a little while longer; you may therefore comfort 
your heart with this assurance, 

4th. He will '^ give glory, ^^ Present grace is an 
earnest of future glory. Grace is glory begun ; and 
glory is grace made perfect: 2 Cor. iii. L And tc 
remove every cause of complaint, 

5th. The Lord '• tvill wiikold no good thing, " Sa 
that whatever may befall you. shall be sanctified to you 



or SANCTIFYING GRACE. 101 

"Such were some of you ; but ye are washed, but ye are sancti- 
fied, but}e are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the 
Spirit of our God : " 1 Cor. vi. 11. 

The apostle had too great cause to fear that some in 
the church at Corinth were not hvinor as Christians ought 
to hve ; but who, while they professed piety, practised 
iniquity : 2 Cor. xii. 20, 21. However, he knew that 
was not the case with all ; hence, in order to keep those 
humble and charitable who were so, he gives them to 
understand, that whatever difference there was, between 
saints and sinners, was all owingr to the o-race of God. 
Let the wickedness of others ever keep you at the foot- 
stool of mercy, by reminding you of your great obligations 
to love and serve God. For, 

1st. " Such were some of you ; " and truly glad should 
I be to be able to speak of it as a thing past with all of 
you. The best of you were as bad by nature as the 
worst of them ; all were alike unholy and unclean : Job 
xiv. 4. But, 

2d. '^ Ye are washed '/^ from the vile polkitions of 
sin : by faith, ye are washed, having apphecf to the 
fountain opaned for sin and uncleanness : Zech. xii : 1. 
Thanks to Him who opened the fountain, led you to it, 
and then washed you in it : Titus iii, 5. Be careful to 
keep yourselves unspottcHJ from the world. 

3d. ^' Rat ije arc sanctified ; " the Lord hath set you 
apart for himself: Ps. iv. 3 : he hath redeemed you from 
all iniquity, and washed and sanctifuMl you, that he uiighl 
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of \poii 
works : Titus ii. 14* And ye are now freed from the 
power and dominion of sin : Rom. vi. 14 : and being- 
endued with a prineiple of holiness, ye an^ become new 
creatures: 2 Cor. v. 17, Neither is that all that graco 
has done for you ; For, 

4th. '^ Ycare justified '/^ all your former rransgros* 
sions are as com|>l('t('ly rtMuoved, and you as free, as 
though you had never committed one sin. God has 
graciously accepted of us, on account of what Christ has 
wrought out for us ; and now, bein^ juslifu'd, w(* have 
])eace with God thmugh our l^rd Jesus Christ : Rom. 
V. 1. For, 

5lh. It is in the Lord Jesus' mmc alone : Acts iv. 12% 



102 OF CONVERTING GRACE. 

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will T put 
within you ; and I will take away the stony heart out of your fleshj 
and I will give you a heart of flesh : Ezek. xxxvi. 26. 

A CHRrsTiAN is a ^^ new creature ; " he has a ^^ new 
heart,^^ Uves in a 7iew world, under a new government, 
serves a new master, obeys newlaws, is actuated by new 
motives, influenced by nei^; love, animated with neti^ joys, 
possesses 7iew deliglits, and is called by a new name ; 
yea, all things become new: 2 Cor. v. 17. ^' True," 
says the behever, '^ this is a sweet doctrine ; but sad ex- 
perience teaches me. that I have not yet that new heart 
you speak of; for I feel to my sorrow the old nature of 
sin and unbelief, and have daily to mourn over it." Well, 
admitting you do, you feel no more than the saints of 
God in every age have had to groan under ; and it is 
perfectly consistent with a renewed state. Naturally, 
your heart was as hard as a stone, incapable of either 
feelino; sin or mournino; over it ; and hence it was called 
a ^* stony heart ; " but by the blood of Jesus, applied by 
the Spirit, through faith, it has been made a solt, tender, 
yielding heart ; and is called a '- heart of flesh, ^^ Your 
old heart was like a rock ; that could neither be awed 
by fear nor be moved by love ; but your '^ new heart of 
flesh " is susceptible of impressions ; — is melted by love, 
mourns over sin, and delights in looking upon Jesus, as 
he is set forth in the gospel. 

By the S}3irit of God you are inwardly changed ; or, in 
other words, hav^e been converted to a different purpose ; 
or, from what you formerly were, to what you now are. 
You were formerly dead as a stone, spiritually ; but 
now, being quickened, you are sensible of feeling ; for- 
merly you were a child of wrath ; but, now, a child of 
God ; Eph. ii. 1 — 6. Hence you now love and serve 
God, who first loved you : 1 John iv. 19. You thought 
your old heart a ver}^ good one, because it was an unfeel- 
ing, deceitful one ; and your 7ieio heart, because it is a 
feeling one, you are led to think is worse than the old 
one. The king's daughter, the Lamb's wife, is all glorious 
within, and her clothing is of wrought-gold ; yet she is 
unhappily allied to a base, wretched Nabal. The conflicts 
you feel within, are a proof' that grace is alive ; and that 
your heart is not stone. 



OF CONVERTING GRACE. 103 

" Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but accord- 
ing to his mercy he saved us, by the waHfjirig oi* regeneration, and 
renewing of the Holy GhoHt." Titus iii. 5. 

Every converted sinner is a sinner saved by grace ; 
and all such are saved from sin ; and consequently the 
penalty due to sin : 2 Tim. i. 9. Observe, 

1st. It is not said, We are saved without the works 
of righteousness ; no, that could never be ; but, " Not 
according to works of righteousness which ice have 
done ; " for that v. ould be impossible ; seeing our best 
performances need wa-hing in the fountain opened fcr 
sin and uncleanness : Eph. ii. 8. 9. Therefore, 

2d; We are saved '-according to his mercy ; '^ on 
account of works of righteousness which Jesus has done ; 
whiO hath fulfilled the law for us ; and perfectly satisfied 
every demand of strict justice. Hence we are no longer 
under the curse of the law, but under grace ; Rom. vi. 
14. 15. So tliat no one has anything to boast of, nor 
glory in, save in the cross of Christ : Eph, ii. 15. 16. 
As water separates filth from that which is washed in it, 
so we are said to be saved, 

3d. '* ]3y the washim^ of regeneration, and renewing 
of the Holy Ghost." Regeneration is spiritual renewing. 
The man is the same after being thus renewed ; but 
with other dispositions and habits ; evil ones no longer 
prevail ; aad in a moral and spiritual sense, old things 
are passed a\\ ay, and all things become new. A new 
principle of grace and holiness being wrought, by which 
he is governed, makes him a new man, a new creature : 
2 Cor. V. 17. 

4th. And as baptism is the outward sign of this inward 
change, wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit and 
the word of truth, James i. 18, applying the things of 
Christ to us, it is here called the '^ washing of regencra* 
iionJ'^ Water cleanses the outside of the man ; and is 
licre usihI to represent the ch^ansing that has been per- 
foruK-'d inside, by tlu; gra(H.' and Sj)lrit of Christ; accord- 
ing to the mercy of God : 1 John v. 7. 8. Christ 
himself instituted the ordinance of ]>aptism ; it ought, 
therefore, never to be slight(*d, nor neglected by ihosu 
who arc converted ; neither shouUl it ever be substituted 
for conversion ; but should follow it as an evidence of it. 



104 OF THE GRACE Or REPENTAKCE. 

"And ye shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for all the 
evil^ that you have coininiiled/' Ezek. xx. 43. 

When- a man knows but little of God. he is apt to 
tliink much of himself : but the more he becomes ac- 
quainted with God's ^oodnesS; the more he discovers of 
his own badness : Job. xlii. 5, 6. A man who is 
acquainted with himself, is sure to loathe himself. Who- 
ever reflects upon the goodness of God, cannot fail to 
discover their ingratitude to God: Isa. i. 2. Do you 
look upon yourself with abhon-ence. and " loathe your- 
self 1 '' Why is it ? You had used to have a good 
opinion of yourself ; and stood very high in your own 
est'miticn : and were ready to be 1 eve yourself much 
better than many of your neighbors, who made a tow ering 
profession of religion. Why this ^eat change of your 
views, V. ith regard to ycui-self ? Have you such humb- 
ling views of yourself on account of '* all the evils you 
have committed 1 '' If so, do not despair ; for it is with 
you just as God would have it : and just as he in his 
mercy declared it should be. You are no worse now", 
than you w ere before you saw yourself so vile and loathe- 
some ; but it is because God has enlightened your 
mind, took aw ay the veil irom your heart, and given you 
a sight of yourself, that you now loathe yourself. David 
was no w orse after the prophet Nathan had declared 
him to be the man who had committed such great wick- 
edness, than he was before : no, but God brought his 
sins to his remembrance by it ; and he loathed himself 
en account thereof : -2 Sam. xii. 7. 13. 

The Lord has given you the grace of repentance, so 
that you now hate what you formerly loved, and desire 
that which you formerly slighted : vea. hated. Confess 
and forsake your sins, as David did. and like him you 
shall find mercy : Pro v. xxviii. 13. We must hate sin 
before we can love holiness. There are many w ho dehght 
themselves in committing: sins, who never loathed them- 
selves on account of the sins they iiadcoronf)itt?d : Hos. 
vii. 10, God sent bis Son to die for sinners : you are 
one : go to God through Christ ; take nothing with you 
but your sins, and ^-ile as you are, he w ill embrace you 
in the arms of his mercv : John vi. 37. Let the great 
Jove that God has to you, (juicken your love to him. 



OF THE GRACE OF REPENTANCE. 105 

** I am not come to call the rigiiteous, but sinners to repentance, " 
Matt. ix. 13. 

Be astonished, O heavens ! and rejoice, ye children 
of men ! admire and adore the goodness of our God ! 
who, while we were yet sinners, sent his only begotten 
Son into the world, that we mi^ht hve through him : 1 
John iv. 9, 10. Learn, 

1st. Christ's errand into the world was to ''call men 
to repentance ; " to convince them of their improper con-* 
duct, and persuade them to change their mind, in order 
that they might alter tlieir course. This was his first 
text, and the tendency of all his sermons : Matt. iv. 17. 

2d. '' He, came not to call the riu^htcons : " no, for 
had that been his errand, he would never have visited 
this world: Rom. iii. 10. Had men not have been 
sinners^ Christ would not have been found amongst men ; 
but all hav^e sinned ; and became into a world of sinners, 
that he might save the chief of sinners: I Tim. i. 15. 
His errand hiy with all sorts of sinners. Therefore, 

3d. The greater the sinner, the more need of the 
Saviour: Matt. ix. 12. The more dangerous the dis- 
ease, the more need of a phy>ician. But he came not 
to save men in their sins, but from their sins : Matt. i. 
21 : and to do this, he calls upon all men to repent ; 
and l(\ives no means untried, in order to bring sinners to 
repentance. He invites, warns, and entreats, by tho 
dispensations of his providence: James ii. 12: by the 
motions of his Holy Spirit: Matt. xxii. 14: by the 
preacliing of the gospel : iMark i. 15 : by their own con- 
sciences: John viii. 9: and by liis repeated acts of good- 
ness : Rom. ii. 4. 

4ih. Repentance is |)roduced by a sight of, a sorrow* 
for, and a hatred to sin ; for no man will think about 
reforming till he sees and feels the need of a reformation. 
A sorrow for sin, if it is of a godly sort, ** worketh re- 
pentance ; " that is to say, produceth a reform : 2 Cor. 
vii. 10. Hence, l*et(n* directed tho murderers of Christ, 
who were pricked in their hearts, on account of their 
sins, to Repent ; do brtter for the time to comt*. Is this 
your state, my christian friend ? Attend to tlu» calls of 
th(^ Spirit ; follow the drawings of the Father, and ihey 
will lead you to the Son. 
10 



106 OF BiriXE TEACHING. 

"1 will instruct tliee, and teach thee in tlie way thou shaltgo; I 
will guide thee with mine eye. " Ps. xxxii 8. ^ 

God's promises are frequently mixed with the prayers 
and grateful acknowledgments of his saints ; as in the 
case here. Christian, know thy danger ; thou art ever 
liable t) be led astray by the wicked one, and the de- 
ceitfulness of thy own heart. Remember, there is no 
oTowth in grace, but by the knowledge of Jesus ; and to 
know and experience the grace of God in Christ, is the 
pri?ilege of poor sinners. Art thou mourning over thy 
io-norance, hungering after more grace, and thirsting after 
greater knowledge of thyself, thy Godj and thy Saviour ? 
Is it thy greatest desire to know the w^ay of righteous- 
ness, and to be enabled to walk in it ? Verily, thy desire 
shall be granted. For the encouragement of thy faith, 
the Lord declares, 

1st. '^ I will insiract tJie-e,^^ Complain not of thy 
io-norance ; for it matters not how dull thou may est tre, 
seeino- the LfOrd has engaged to be thy teacher. Talk 
not of being a poor, ignorant sinner ; for He teaches 
sinners because they are sinners and need his teachings : 
Ps. XXV. 8. We are all sinners, and cannot help one 
another back into the fold from which we strayed ; but 
God sent his Son to save sinners : and, for his sake, will 
instruct us in those things that belong to our peace. If 
thou art endeavoring to walk in the \^ay of the Lord, 
this promise. belongs to thee, 

2d. '' I will teach thee in the way thou shalt go. '' 
Thus it is plain your having gone out of the way, nor your 
ii/norance in the way, can ever interfere with the faith- 
fulness of God. There are so many ways marked out 
by man, and each contend so zealously for their own 
way, that without Divine teaching, it would be impossi- 
ble for mortal to know the right way. The Lord will 
teach thee, by his word and Spirit, the way which 
^Aa^ shalt go ; whatever way others may take. 

3d. '' 1 loill guide thee ivith mine eye. " The eyes 
of the Lord are upon the righteous : Ps. xxxiv. 15. 
When the Lord turned and looked upon Peter, he 
osQided him with his eye into the right way. To grow 
m the knowledge and love of Jesus, is our richest con- 
solation, our greatest joy : 2 Pet. iii- 18. 



OF DIVINE TEACHING. 107 

"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, 
"whclJier it be of G(u!, or whether i speak of myself. " Jo.'in vii 17. 

The blessed Saviour has here given to his disciples a 
test, wlicreby they may try all who set themselves vip for 
prophets, doctors, or dictators, in religion ; they are to be 
tried by their doctrine ; and by that he wished to be 
tried liimself. The doctrine of Christ is disputed in this 
our day, as it was in his day. Observe, 

1st. We are in danger of being led astray and de- 
ceived, by hav^ing doctrines brought to us in God's name 
which he never tauirht ; and it greatly concer'is us to 
know upon what fmndation we build ; and unless we 
closely examine, we may be miserably deceived : 1 
John iv. I . 

2d. Who are likely to succeed in their endeavors to 
ascertain whether the doctrine be of God, or wlietlier 
the preacher preaches himself — they who r/o t/ieuiU of 
God, And all who do his w ill are impavtialm their inqui- 
ries concerning his will ; and suffer neither lust nor interest 
to biris tlieir mind^, duiing their search after truth ; and 
having discovered the will of God, they resolve by his 
grace to conform to it: John xiv. 21. 

3d. Whence it is that such shall Icnoio the tiuth of 
Christ's doctrine. Christ has said, '' He shall kn'>w ; " 
and that is sufficient; for his word is his bond. Ih^ can 
open their understandings ; and all who follow the light 
they have, may depend upon being kept from all de- 
structive mistakes: Lukexxiv. 45. He that is disposed 
to admit the rays of divine light, may depend upon being 
led into all trulh ; and the truth, if continued in, shall 
make him fre(» : John viii: 31 , 3'2. 

B J careful to do the will of (iod, and you will assuredly 
be taught tlui doctrine of (rod. Let no one induce you, 
under a show of holiness, to d(Miy the doetrinc^s of grace 
on the on:> hand, nor sutf(M* the lusts of ihr llcsh to abuse 
them on the other. rndiM* a liv(»ly sense of the nuTcy 
and grace ol God, make a holy resolve to do his will; 
and to walk continually bcl'ore him in the land o{ the 
living: Ps. cxvi. 1). Those who resemble (iod most, 
are likely to understand him best. Those teachers, and 
those on'y, w ho are sent of God, are to be received by us. 
I3y their fruits y(» shall know them : Malt. vii. 15 — '20. 



108 OF A BLESSING UPON THE ORDINANCES. 

<' Thnrefore with joy shall ye draw water out of* the wells of sal- 
vation. " Isa. xii. 3, 

Godliness Is of a powerful nature upon the soul ; it 
consist not in form and shadow, but jn power and sub- 
stance ; not in notions and opinions, but in the real en^ 
joyment of Christ in the heart. Those who attend the 
ordinances from no better mctivej than that they might 
give a good account of them, talk fiuently about them, 
and contend earnestly for them, are content with this ; 
and feel very well satisfied, if, according to tlieir own 
views of religion, they have clear heads, they take it for 
granted that their faith is sound, although it neither 
works by love, nor purifies the heart : Gal. v. 6. Not 
so with those who enjoy the life, light, liberty, and power 
of Christ and his gospel. '^ Therefore^ '* because the 
Lord is your God, your Strength, and your Svong, and w^ll 
be your Salvation, '' ivitJi joy shall ye draiv water, '^ 
The many assurances God has given of his love to us, 
and our numerous experiences of the benefit and comfort 
of his grace, should strengthen our faith in him, and 
enlarge our expectations from him ; for "• Out of the 
wells of salvation ^^ in God, who is the Fountain of all 
goodness, whatever ye need, whenever ye apply, ?/e shall 
draw. Only keep in the channel made by him, and ye 
shall meet with all the streams of love that flow irom 
him : Jer. xxxi. 9. Observe, 

1st. The promises of God rev^ealed, ratified, and given 
out to us in his ordinances, are icells of salvation. 

2d. It is our duty and privilege, to take to ourselves the 
benefit and com.fort that are treasured up in them for us ; 
and by fiuth to draw v ater from thence ; seeing all our 
springs are there, and all our streams from thence : Ps. 
Ixxxvii. 7. 

3d. It is with pleasure that we shall draw water; for 
the will of God is, that v, e should rejoice before him, and 
rejoice in him : Deut. xxvl. 11 : and always be joyful in 
the house of- prayer : Isa. Ixvi. 7 : keeping his feasts 
with gladness : Acts ii. 46. Say not, '' I am too weak 
to draw ; '^ for he says, " ye shall draw) " yea, and with 
joy tpo. His favor shall flow to you ; and ye shall have 
the comfort of it : Isa. Iv. 1. The water is mthe wells, 
and ye shall have the comfort of it : Isa. Iv. 1. 



OF A BLESSING UPON THE ORDINANCES. 109 

"Where two or lliroe are gathered togofher in iny name, there 
am I in the midst of them." INIatt. xviii. 20. 

Such is the love the Saviour bears to his followers, 
,and the encouraireii^ent given them, to frequently assem- 
ble in his name for Divine worship, that he assures them 
the smallness of their numbers shall be no obstacle in his 
way of meetinii with them : Exod. xx. 24. Observe, 

1st. The duty here prescribed. It is that we '^ ga- 
ther''^ ourselves '^ together in ChrisVs name. " This is 
an important obli^^ation ; and implies tliat when we meet 
for the purpose of divine w^orship, we should do it wi.h 
reverence, ajid godly fear: Ps. Ixxxix. 7. We should 
not carelessly rush into the presence of God ; but seek 
a necessary preparation of heart : Prov. xvi. I : and go 
with a desire to do and get good : Eccl. v. 1,2: tlic-a \\e 
may be prepared to receive the communications of his 
grace: Ps. xxvii. 4. We cannot approach God in our 
own names, because we are sinner"^, and enemies to 
him by wicked works: Rom. viii. 7, 8; nor in any other 
name under lieaven, than that of Jesus ; Acts iv, 12: 
but through him we have a new and living way opened 
to the Father of all our mercies: John xiv. 6. Neither 
will any vvor-hip be acceptable to God, but that which 
IS sincere and s|)iritu:d : John iv. 24. Let us, then, 
worsliip him in the sj)int, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and 
have no confidence in the flesh : Rom. viii. 26, 27. 

2d. The instructions suggested. The Saviour de- 
clares himself to he '* in the midst ^^ of all his assemblies, 
however numerous, and in any and every part of the 
world at the same time, w hich proves him to be omni- 
present : Matt, xxviii. 20. That religious ordinances 
are of divine origin, is evident, from the institution and 
design of th-; Sabl)ath : Gen. ii. 3. The positive injunc- 
tions of t!ie moral law: Kxod.xx.B — II. The Mosaic 
dispensation of ceremonies : Deut. xvi. 10. Tlu' testi- 
monies and examples of the patriarchs and pmphets : Ps» 
Ixxxiv. 2 — 4. The examples of Christ in t!)e days of 
his flesh: Luk(» iv. IG: and the praclici* of the ])rlmitive 
christians: Aclsxx. 7. '' iVIierty '* whether in a palace, 
or in a barn ; in a temj)le, or in llie field ; wlienever, 
wherever, and whoever, gather together in the name of 
Christ, have him in their midst. 
10* 



110 OF GRACE TO MORTIFY SIN. 

"Epiiraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? " 
IIos xiv. 8. 

These words are a part of a sweet dialogue between 
the Lord and Ephraim ; which signifies growing. The 
Lord had just before said, " I will be as the dew 
unto Israel. " Now see the effects of this grace. Eph- 
raim says, '' What have I to do any more wiih idols. '' 
Get ye hence, cursed idols, my vile lusts ; and that vain 
idol, the work of my hands ; and my own righteousness. 

1 abhor the former, and disclaim the latter ; for now I 
find ray Lord is mine, and I am his. One who has truly 
repented of his sins, is one who has quarrelled with his 
isins ; and such is the hatred he h?s to sin, whenever it 
presents itself, he starts back and cries, '' What have I 
to do any more with idols ? '' Nothing shall again di- 
vide my heart. How can I do this great wickedness, 
and sin against God ? Gen xxxix. 9. Ephraim had 
joined himself to idols : Hos. iv. 17 : and the Lord in- 
tended to give him such a surfeit of sin, that he should 
forever disown it. So that, you see it is the Lord be- 
comes surety for his servant. '^ Ephraim shall say, " 
&c. The desire of God is, that sinners should repent 
and turn to him: Ezek. xiv. 6. If he hears but a sigh 
from the penitent heart, he is pleased with it : Jer. viii. 
6. The Lord hates nothing but sin. He sent his Son 
to make an end of sins, lest sins should make an end of 
us: Dan. ix. 24. We have nothing to diead but sin. 
Sin strikes at God's holiness, and our happinsss ; we 
should, therefore, keep up a constant and universal war 
against all sorts of sins. Remember, one sin threw 
down a righteous Noah ; another, a faithful Abraham ; 
another, the meek Moses ; another, was too strong for 
Sampson ; another, overcame pious David ; another, the 
wise Solomon ; another, cast down Paul ; another, 
knocked down the champion Peter ; and all together cru- 
cified the Son of God. The more you know of God's 
greatness, the more you will see of sin's vileness : Rom. 
vii. 13. 

Be not discouraged, because you have so formidable a 
foe to contend with ; for as is your day so is your 
strength. The grace of God is always sufficient : 

2 Cor. xii, 9. 



OF GRACE TO MORTIFY SIN. Ill 

** Walk in tlie Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil tlie lust of the flesh. " 
Gal. V. IG. 

As every renewed soul loves to enjoy spiritual and 
heavenly objects, so the unrenewed part, or the flesh, 
lusts after tliose things which it is naturally conversant 
with, and from which it derives its happiness. This is 
the Christian's conflict; and hence the necessity of 
watching and praying : Matt. xxvi. 41 . And well would 
it be for all who name the name of Christ, if, instead of 
rising up one party against another, they would all unhe 
against the one common foe, sin : Ps. cxxxiii. Ev^ery 
renewed man finds a struo^n-le between the old nature and 
the new nature, between the remainders of sin and the 
beginnings of grace ; and in this conflict it is our duty 
and interest to side with our convictions against our cor- 
ruptions. We are here told, 

1st. The course to be pursued. " Walk in the Spirit,^^ 
by which ye are sanctified and renewed : 1 Cor. vi. 1 I : 
that condescends to dwell in your he^art : Rom. vlii. 9 : 
and assists you in the discharge of all your duties : liom. 
viii. 26. Walk under the guidance, and influence of the 
Holy Spirit : John xvi. 13. You, no doubt, feel that 
the flesh is warring against the spirit, or that gncious, 
lioly influence im|)hinted in your heart by tin* Holy 
Spirit ; but this should not discourage you ; for it is pos- 
itive proof that the sjn:it is warring against the flesh: 
Rom. vii. 22, 2-3. Yom* feeling sin lis ing in you, is no 
proof you an; living in sin. Ask of God, and he will 
give you his Holy Spirit, to enable you to mortify every 
sin : Luke xi. 13. 

2d. The happy result will be, " Ye shall not fulfil 
the lust of the Jlesh, " Alas ! what woeful w ork the 
fulfilling the lust of the flesh hath made, evcMi among 
the most cmitient saints. Tlie conceptions of lu>t are the 
jiroduetions of sin : Jam(\s i. 15. The connnission of 
sin loads the conscience with guilt ; and brings sickness 
and death to tlu* soul. H(»nce, iIh» many alarming 
symptoms attendant on contracted guilt ; the lash(»s of 
conscience, the terrors of the law, distance* from God, 
dejr»rlion of soul, coolness of aflcTtion to Jesus, back- 
wardness to duty, neglect of a lliix)ne of grace, legal 
fears, and bitterness of spirit. 



112 OF GRACE AGAINST TEMPTATION. 

"He that feareth God shall come forth of them all." Eccl. 
vii. IS. 

The corrupt inclination of our nature to what is sin- 
ful, is what the apostle calls, '' Sin that dwelleth in us : " 
Rom. vii. 17 : and is a constant, powerful stimulus to 
the actual commission of sin. The objects around us, 
prove the unhappy occasions of sin to us ; our company, 
society, callings, and circumstances, frequently prove 
temptations to sin. T!ie world, though not necessarily 
set against our spiritual interests, is an enemy to our 
souls ; hence the apostle calls it an '' evil world : " GaL 
i. 4. The things of the world are suitable to our corrupt 
passions and appetites, and excite and inflame them : I 
John ii. 15. The devil is another great enehiy of our. 
souls, and is continually engaged to estrange our affec- 
tions from God, to the practice of iniquity : 1 Pet. v. 8. 
The Scriptures assure us, that our spiritual foes are very 
numerous: Eph. vi. 12. Without, we have fightings; 
within, we have fears. But greater is he that is for us, 
than all that can be against us. Our best defence 
against temptation, is religion, or, the fear of the Lord. 
*• He that feareth God, " need fear nothing else : Isa, 
XXXV, 4, Satan may tempt, but he cannot force, nor 
take away your crown: Jas. i. 12. The least sin is a. 
greater evil than the greatest temptation. Were you an 
empty vessel, the enemy would let you alone ; for he is 
too sldllful a pirate ever to attack an empty ship : Heb, 
iv. 15. Up with your faith, and dow^i with your fears ; 
for though you may be greatly tempted, you shall be 
greatly supported : 2 Cor. xii. 9. Your greatest enemy 
lies in your own bosom, night and day : Jer. xvii. 9. 
Resist the devil and he will, coward-like, flee from you: 
James iv. 7. The weapons you fight with, must be fer- 
vent prayer, and faith in the promises of God ; and be 
sure you keep a constant w^atch, lest you be taken by 
surprise: Eph. vi. 18. Prize the word of God, as your 
blessed charter of salvation ; plead the promises before 
him ; in the hour of teirptat'on fly to him ; expect all 
you need from him; even victory over all sin, deliver* 
ance from all trouble, holiness here, and glory hereafter, 
A host of foes can never harm you, while you serve ih^v 
Lord of hosts : 1 Cor. x. 13. 



OF GRACE AGAINST TEMPTATION. 113 

" Blessed is the man that endureth tempiatinn : for when he is 
tried h*- shall roreive the crown of life, which the Lord hath prom- 
ised to them iha h)ve him. " Jntnes i. J 2. 

The Bible is the Christian's charter ; it is therefore our 
highest wiscl( m to study it, and to judge of God's love to 
us from his word and promises, and not fiom our cir- 
cumstances, trials, and feelings. Observe, 

1st. "Blessed is the man,^^ whoever he may be, or 
whatever inight be his condition, ''that eudurcih temp- 
tation." A man may suffer much, and not be said to 
endure anything; but he who patienihj endures, and 
with constancy goes through all difficulties in the way of 
his duty, is truly blessed : Heb. ii. 18. 

2d. Afflictions, whatever might be their nature, are 
so far from taking away the ha))piness of a man who 
loves God, that they only tend to increase it. So that 
no temptations need make us miserable, since God designs 
them to make us comfortable ; for '' blessed is the man 
that endureth temptation. " 

3d. A tried Christian is sure to be a crownrd one. 
" When he is tried ^ " when he is ap|)roved, when hi- graces 
are found to be genuine, and his inteiirity "manifested ; 
when he has been refined as meials are in tiie fire, when 
alibis dross has been taken away, and " sterling ^^ has 
been stamped upon him, "he shall receive the croivn of 
life, " We who bear the cross in time, shall v.ear tho 
crown in eternity : '2 Cor. v. 1. 

4th. The future blessedness, involved in a crown of 
life, is a thing promised to every righteous sulFerer, by 
the God of truth ; and may therefore be safely depended 
upon. " The Lord hath promised''' it; and \\\\\ give 
it: 2 Tim. iv. 8. 

5th. We must endure temptation from a ]>rinciplo 
of love to (lod, in order to sustain the character to 
whom this piomisiMJ crown shall be given ; otherwise 
we arc not interested in the promise. "The l^ord hath 
promised to thtm that love him. " And whatever \n e may 
sutler, or do, il it arises not from a sinc<Te love to (iod 
and man, it will nev(*r be pleasing to (iod : I Cor. xiii. 
3. Temptations, or trials, from (iod, can never injure 
us; they being designed to improve us : Gen. xxii, 1 : 
Heb. xi. II. 



114 OF VICTORY OVER THE WORLD. . 

" To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man 
that speuUeth froward things." Prov. ii, 12. 

Nothing will kill the love of a bewitching deceitful 
world, in a deceitful heart, but a sight of heaven by 
faith. The world we are in most danger of being en- 
snared by, is, that depraved and blind multitude who 
love themseh-es, or the creature, without paying any 
regard to the Creator: Eph. ii. 2,3: and who have 
such an eiiLuity to God, that they hate all wdio love him ; 
John XV. 19. But if you have the grace of God in 
your heart, that will produce a hope of heaven in the 
soul ; and '' deliver you from the ivay of the evil mnyi,^* 
which v.ili be a blessed dehverance; for his way leads 
to death : Prov. xiv. 12. The enemy is here spoken 
of as 0716, when, the fact is, there is a whole gang of 
them ; all engaged, as one man, to oppose relii2;ion ; and 
are united, heart and hand, to support the kingdom of 
Satan: Isa. xxvili. 14, 15. But you need not fear them, 
for you shall have a complete victory over them : 1 
John V. 4. Vv^sHom, \yhich is religion, will keep you 
from falling into their snares'; so that while you are in 
the world, you shall be kept from the evil of the world.: 
John xvii. 15, 16. Those of the world aie generally 
known by their conversation ; they speak "froward 
things, '' To show their own er.m'^y to religion, and 
to dissuade others from it, they speak all they can against 
it ; and are fond of cavelling with the word of God ; and 
are never better pleased than when they think they have 
been successful in their endeavors : Gal. iii. 1. From 
those who openly deny all religion, you have but little 
to fear: because you know them : 1 John iv. 4: but 
the greatest enemies to Christianity are to be found 
amongst those who are called Christians ; who, while 
they make a profession of piety, practice iniquity: Eph, 
^. 12. Of all men upon earth, a worldly minded pro- 
fessor is most to be pitied, and none so much to be 
dreaded; they strive to keep God and the world, while 
they enjoy neither : 1 John ii. 15. Search the word of 
God, keep it, study it ; that directs thee to Christ, who 
is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The only way to 
happiness is' the way of holiness ; walk in it, and shun 
every evil way. 



OF VICTORY OVER THE WORLD. 115 

"Who gave liimsc^lf for «jnr sins, that he n)i^lit deliver us from 
this present evil world. " Gal. i. 4. 

When the world came out of the hands of its Crea- 
tor, it was declared by him to be " very good ; " but the 
sin of man ruined it, and brought it and himself under a 
curse: Gen. i. 31: iii. 17, 18. The present world, 
\vhich was made a blissful world by God, is now an 
enemy to our souls, therefore the apostle calls it an '^ evil 
world. ^' Not as though it were evil in itself, and ne- 
cessarily set against our spiritual interests ; no, but the 
things of the world being suitable to our corrupt passions 
and appetites, excite and inflame them, like unwholesome 
food, that is pleasant to the taste, but feeds the disease. 
Every creature of God would be good, if rightly used : 
1 Tim. iv. 4. Observe, then, 

1st. ^' This present world is an evil world, on account 
of sin that made it such ; and the sin, sorrow, pains, and 
calamities with which it abounds; and the many snares 
and temptations to which we are exposed while we re- 
main in it. But though we have to live in it, if we are 
Christians, we are not of it: John xv. 19. For, 

2d. Jesus Christ "gave himself for our si?fs,'^ as a 
great sacrifice to make atonement for us : 2 Cor. v. 21 : 
" that he might deliver tis from this present evil \\ orld. " 
Not that he might immediately take us out of it, but 
deliver us from the power and evil of it : John xvii. 15. 
We arc only travellers through it ; and while in it, we 
shall have to do with it ; but must be careful to keep 
oiu-sclves unspotted from it : James i. 27. liy living to 
Christ, we become dead to the world ; and by dying to 
it, \\r obtain a victory over it : (ial. vi. 14. Christ has 
wrought out a deliverance for us, but we can never enjoy 
it but by faith in his merits ; bodied to save us /rom our 
sins when Ik^ dird /or our sins: Matt. i. 21. And no 
one can consistently call him /At/r Saviour, who is living 
in sin ; and was it not a sin to live under the powiMand 
influ(nic(; of the world, Ik; would never have given iiini- 
sclf to deliver us from it ; and if Christ Jesus has not 
saved us from sin, 1 am at a loss to know what he has 
saved us from. To obtain a victory over the world, you 
must fight against it, in the strength of the dear Kcdcciner 
who gave himself for us : John xvi. 33. 



116 OF VICTORY OVER THE DEVIL. 

*' I will put enmity bet\ve<m thoe and the woman, and between 
thy seed and her seed ; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt 
bruise his heel." Gen. iii. 15. 

Here we have wai' proclaimed between the seed of 
the woman and the seed of the serpent. There are two 
particulars which demand our serious attention. 

First. The Lord put enmity between the serpent and 
the woman, and between his seed and her seed. 1st. 
The serpent is addressed, but the Devil is intended. 
He is called '' the dragon, that old serpent, • which is the 
Devil, and satan : Rev. xx. 2. The following reasons 
may be assigned why he is called a serpent. He assumed 
that form when he tempted Eve : ver. I : he is crafty, 
subtle, and cunning : 2 Cor. ii. 3. : and his influence on 
man resembles the deadly bite of- a serpent: Gen. xlix. 
17. 2d. The ivoman is namedbecausesAe was deceived 
by the serpent; 1 Tim. ii. 14. 3d. Wicked men are 
influenced by the seed of the serpent ; he is their father, 
and they do his works : John viii. 44. The old serpent 
is an enemy of God ; and so are all his children : Rom. 
viii. 7. All our sinful lusts and works spring from the 
same seed. 4th. The "seed of the woman^^ is the 
Saviour of the world, the only begotten Son of God : Gal. 
iv. 4 : '1 John ii. 2. Christ, and all believers in him, are 
of the woman^s seed ; they being one in him their living 
Head : Col. i. 18, 19. 5th. God put enmity betvv^een 
these parties ; and no one can ever reconcile them ; for 
the devil is sinful and polluted ; Christ u pure and holy ; 
the devil is a destroyer ; Christ is a Saviour ; the devil 
is a cruel tyrant ; Christ is a mild Prince ; the devil is to 
be destroyed : Heb. ii. 14. Christ must reign and con- 
quer : I Cor. XV. 25. 

Secondly. The seed of the woman was to bruise the 
serpent's head, and the serpent was to bruise ) is heel. 
This language is figurative, and we understand it to 
mean, 1st. By the head of the serpent, the mischievous 
power of the devil. The life, power, and poison of the 
serpent lie in its head. 2d. The Saviour came into the 
world to bruise his head. See the first conflict : Matt. 
iv. 1 — 11. 3d. To bruise his head, is to crush his pow- 
er: Rev. XX. 10. 4th. Christ gave a death-blow to the 
serpent in his death and resurrection : 1 Cor. xv. 20 — 22. 



-OF VICTORY OVER THE DEVIL. 117 

''Resist the<i3vil, and lie will fee from you. " James iv. 7. 

Think not, believer, that thou art not a son of the 
God of Peace, nor a subject of the Prince of peace, 
because thou art daily in wars and fit^htings. True, 
when the delights I sound of peace is declared in thy 
heart, and thou an enjoying a conifoilable sense of peace 
in thy conscience, some sinful passion, .^ome rei)el lust, 
or some fiery dart of the adversary, niakcs a sudden at- 
tack upon thee; but then, this combined power is a 
scriptural mark that thou art born of God ; and, that 
Jesus is thy peace: Eph. ii. 13, 14. The world, with 
all its vaniti.es, its smiles and frowns, its promises and 
threatenings, and ungodly men, animated by the god of 
this world, are all at war with thee>^ because thou art not 
one of them, but of the kingdom of Jesus. But this 
should only serve to strengthen thy mind, rather than 
cast thee down. Satan tried to make the Saviour ques- 
tion his sonship ; tempted him to distrust, covetousness, 
idolatry, and sell-murder ; but did that prove he was not 
the Son of God ? Matt. iv. I— 11. The Devil is a 
chained enemy, and you have only to keep oft^ his 
ground: and then, though he may bark at you, he can- 
not 1)ite you. 

Attend now to tlie exhortation here given ; ^^ Resist 
the Devil. ^^ Whenever he comes knocking at the door 
of your heart, suffer him not to gain adm'ttmce bv open- 
ing the door, before you have carefully ascertainc^d who, 
or what, you are about to admit. It will not do, simply 
to ask. Who is there? for he is sure to deny his name, 
and feign himself what he really is not: 2 Cor. xi. 14. 
Never suppose, that he is always dresscul in black. 
Come in what dress, or form, he may, he has but one 
design : 1 Pet. v. 8. The Devil cannot pray ; and feai*s 
nothing so much ; resist him with it. Sliould he tempt 
you to prkh , resist him w ith Ps. cxxxviii. G ; if to dis^ 
trust, with Ps. Ixxxiv. I I ; if to slolhfuhu»ss, with Piov. 
xxi. '25 ; and if to sin, in any wis(», with Rom. vi. 523. 
Put on th(». whole armour of (iod, and use it manfully: 
Eph. vi. 14— IS. For, 

i2d. Th(» promise is, " Tie will jU v from ijou, '' and 
leave you in possession of the field : Phil. iv. 13. 
11 



118 OF STRENGTH AND COURAGE. 

" Be of good courage, and lie shall strengthen your heart, all ye 
that hope in the Lord. " Ps. xxxi.24. 

Come, poor, hoping, trembling, doubting believer m 
Jesus ! Look at this precious promise ! and then give 
your fears to the winds. Do not say, " What have I to 
do with the children's bread '^ I am so fickle, so w^eali^ 
so unworthy, that I fear to ask even for the crumbs. " 
Well, admitting all you say to be true, this picmise as- 
suredly belongs to you. But to remove all doubts, we 
will notice, 

1st. The character of those to whom the promise is 
made. '' All ye that hope in the Lord. '^ Hope is the 
firm expectation of some good. If we do not believe 
an object anticipated to be good, we dread its approach, 
instead of seeking for its enjoyment. To hope in the 
Lord, is to confidently expect all the good we need from 
hiiii; and which he has piomised: Ps. Ixxxiv. 11: 2 
Tim. i. 12. God is the fountain of all goodness : Jas, 
i. 17. Hence, all who hope in him, expect horn his 
providence their needful supplies ; from his mercy, a 
pardon for their sins ; from his wisdom, direction in their 
diflSculties ; from his power, support and defence ; and 
from his love, all that grace and glory which- he hath 
promised to all his believing children : Ps. cxix. 49 : 
Rom. XV. 4. This hojje IS an active, vigorous, and puri- 
fying principle : 1 John iii. 3. 

2d. The advice given. ''Be of good courage. ^^ 
Courage is active fortitude ; and when it arises from a 
sense of duty, and fear of offending God, it always acts 
agreeably to reason and religion. We should attend to 
this advice, from a consideration of the difficulties and 
dangers that attend us ; of the cause in which we are 
engaged ; of our Captain, under whose banner we fight; 
of the certainty of victory ; and of the glorious rewards 
that await us : Rom. viii. 37 — 39. No foe can foil us, 
no enemy can vanquish us, while we -hope in the Lord: 
Ps. xci. 4j 5. 

3d. Strength promised. '' He shall strengthen your 
heart. " By the heart here, is meant the soul, with all 
its powers ; the understanding, conscience, will, afFections, 
and memory ; all of which God will strengthen, by illu- 
minating the mind; and drawing the affections to himself. 



OF STRENGTH AND COURAGE. 119 

*' God Imtli not nriven ns the spirit of f<'ar; but of power, and of 
love, and of a sound mind. " 2 Tim. i. 7. 

Effects prove their cause. And a slavish fear arises 
from a consciousness of guilt ; but where sin is removed, 
a fear of punishment is taken away. Nothing tends 
more to mar our usefulness, than a base fear; it was this 
that caused the wicked servant to bury his talent, when 
he ought to have traded witli it: Matt. xxv. 25. All 
men are to be loved, but no man is to be feared : Luke 
xii. 4, 5. God hath taken from us the spirit of fear ; 
but observe, attentively, what he has given to us in lieu 
of it. 

1st. The spirit of power, of courage, and resolution, 
to meet all dangers and difficulties, with becoming bold- 
ness, as the sons of God : Acts. xx. 23, 24. 

2d. The spirit of love to God, which will not fail to 
raise us far above the fear of man, and all that men can 
-do unto us : Rom. viii. 31. 

3d. The spirit of a sound mivfl ; or, a quiet, peace- 
able mind ; so that we shall be able to enjoy ourselves 
under all circumstances. We have frequently much to 
discourage us in our way of duty, by the creatures of our 
own disordered imagination ; which a sound, sober, solid, 
thinking mind, would completely remove: Neb. vi. 11, 
12. The S])irit God gives to his ministers and peo- 
ple, is not a fearful, but courag(^ous Spirit. Child of 
God ! memb(T oi* Jesus, hoAv ^afe ! how secure is your 
salvation ! Only think upon what the God of your sal- 
vation is, what he has done, and promised, and your 
fears will fly before yotu* faith, like clialT before the w ind. 
Your stHMigth lies in the Lord ; and you can realize it 
only by faith in his word. The spirit of love to CJod 
and man, needs only to be exercised to inspire with nt^w 
life, and strengthen your feeblest jiowers ; whih^ a sound 
mind will make you bold as a lion : l*rov. xxviii. 1 : and 
enabl(» you to face the most daring foe, as David did 
Goliah ; trusting alone in th(» strcMigth of the (Jod of Is- 
rael : Prov. \\i\. ^25. Let those fear n\ hose consciences, 
being laden with guill, and armed with vengeance, are 
their unwearied tormentors ; but do you take fresh cour- 
age ; for, as you ncn'er did, so you never will, have any 
cause t()('om|)lain : 2 Cor. xii. I). He stron^nn the Lord. 



130 



OF WISDO?!. 



'Tor God ^iveth to a man that is good in Iiis sight, wisdom, and 
knowledge, and joy. " Eccl. ii. 26. 

The united testimonies of reason, revelation, and ex- 
perience, prove, that man is a lapsed and indigent crea- 
ture : and not only the vulgar and illiterate, but also the 
best and most learned philosophers, have ever been ig- 
norant of the nature and true character of God, till 
taught by him: 1 Cor. i. -21. While a man is asleep 
he may dream that he is av. ake. and believe all imaginary 
objects to be real; so a man may think himself wise 
while pui^uing folly: Prov. xxA-i. 1:2. The only way to 
become tiTily wise, is to become truly good. For. 

1st. ^- God giveth to a man that is scood in his sight 
tcisdom, *' To be good in the sight of God. is to be 
rio^hieous before him: Gen. vii. 1. To be ecod. is to 
enjoy good, by keepiua the commandments of God ; and 
meditating in his law both day and night: Ps. i. 1 — 2. 
And bv beino^ ^ood we crain ^ood, and wisdom to make 
a riirht use of the good we gain : Eccl. ii. 13. 

2d. He giveth knoicJedge to the giiod : so that, by 
tiie infinite wisdom of God. and by means of their -phii- 
ual knowledge, and prudence, they shall either avoid 
trouble or get out of it : Prov. ^.i. 9. But the simple 
pass on and are punished : Piov. xxii. 3. 

3d. He gives to the good m^u Joy ; and which is ex- 
cited by the Holy Ghost : Gal. v. 22. Gladness is sown 
for the upright, and they alone can reap it : Ps. xcvii, 
1 1 . The ground or object of one'^s rejoicini^ is called 
his ''joy;^^ thus God is tlje joy, the exceeding joy. of 
all who are good in his sight : however vile they may 
seem in the sight of others : Ps. xliii. 4. 

The icisdom God gives to a man makes him patient 
in adversity : thankful in prcsperity ; and enables liim to 
direct all his steps to the glory of God : Ps. xxxvii. 23. 
A good man is wise because he is tauirht of Gcd ; and 
they needs must be wise who ^^ave irfinite Wisdcra for 
tbm* instructor : Ps. xix. 7. What the worid cal s wis- 
dom. God calls foolishness: 3 Cor. iii. 19. Jesus your 
Saviour is your Prophet to teach, your Priest to atone, 
and your King to rule by love in ycur heart. Cost what 
it may, have ^^ hat God calls ivisdom ; it is within your 
reach. 



OF WISDOM. 121 

*' But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, vvlio of God is made unto us 
wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. " 
1 Cor. i. 30. 

God is a full, free, and overflowing Fountain of good- 
ness ; and all the good we have flows from him, through 
Jesus Christ as the Channel of conveyance. By nature, 
we are all foohsh, ignorant, and bhnd, in those things 
that belong to God and our soul's happiness: 1 Cor. iii. 
19 : but whatever we are deficient in ourselves, we have 
in Christ. For, 

1st. He is made of God unto us Wisdom. The be- 
liever in Christ is truly wise ; for being conscious that sin 
v/ould render the future part of his life bitter, and death 
dreadful, he has not ordy secured an evidence of pardon 
for the past, but follows after holiness as a necessary 
qualification for happiness here and hereafter : Prov. xix- 
8. A believer who is truly' wise is truly humble ; know- 
ing that he is indebted to Christ for his wisdom ; in \\ hom 
are hid the treasures of wisdom : CoL ii. 3. We are 
guilty. But, 

2d. Christ is made owr Ri'j-hteousntss, He is the 

o 

procurer and bestower of all that righteousness which 
believers in him possess : Jcr. xxiii. G. We arc corrupt 
and depraved. But, 

3d. ITe is made our Saudi f cation^ the Source of our 
spiritual life ; he being the Vine and we the branches ; 
we are the partakers of the same nature with him ; what- 
ever may be the nature of the Head, the members par- 
take of the satue. By natmv, and practice, we are 
bound in the cords of sin. But, 

4th. He is made to us Redemjifion, our Saviour and 
Deliverer. He is our complete Redemption ; frees us 
from sin, dischargers from the guilt and power of it, and 
tin; b( ily from the power of the grave: 1 Cor. xv. 55 — 
57. Whatever you may be ignorant of beside, endeavor 
to l)eeome more and more accjuainted with Christ ; a 
knowledge of him U a wonderful mystery. To know 
Christ is to make him your consolation, delight, com- 
jianion, and end. The Christian becomes wiser every 
day: a child may play with a snake; but a man gets 
as far from it as he can. If you lack wisdom, ask of 
God, He will give it you. 
11* 



122 OF DIVINE GUIDANCE. 

"And the Lord shall guide thee continually. " Isa. Iviii. 11. 

This world is a wilderness, dark, dreary, and danger- 
ous I and through which all Zion's travellers have to pass, 
ere they can arrive at Heaven their home : Heb. xiii. 14* 
Were we to be left to ourselves, but for one moment^ 
"we should certainly miss our way : Jer. x. 23 : and the 
thought of this may be a source of grief to the believer,, 
when he looks too much to himself, and too little to the 
promises of God. But let it ever be remembi-^red by 
you, that he who marked out the way, has engaged him- 
gelf to guide you in the way. Observe, 

1st. '' The Lord^^ strong and mighty, the Lord 
mighty in battle, whose wisdom knovv s no bound, and 
whose goodness is equal to his power and knowledge, 
hath engaged to be our Guide even unto death : Ps. 
xlviii. 14. And lest you should consider it too great a 
condescension for the Lord, v\ho is so high, to stcop so 
low as to notice a creature so ungrateful and vile, and in 
order to remove all your scruples, it is said, '' The Lord 
shall guide thee. " With such a guide, what have you 
to fear ? Surely, he who has promised is well able to 
perform his promise ! and of his willingness there can be 
no doubt : Heb. xiii. 5. Your way may be dark, but 
your Guide is light : 1 John i. 5. Your path may be 
rugged all through, and tiibulation surround you, but your 
Guide w^ill furnish you with strength in proportion to your 
day : 2 Cor. xii. 9. You may, yea, will have fightings 
without, but you have peace in Jesus: John xvi. 33: 
and, through him, will assuredly have a supply of all 
things needful for your journey : Phil. iv. 19. And you 
may depend upon being brought in safety to your jour- 
neys end : Ps. Ixxiii. 24. For, 

2d. '^ The Lord shall guide thee continually, " He 
will not guide you in lair weather, and leave you in a 
storm ; no, but in all straits, trials, dangers, troubles, 
afflictions, and difficulties, he shall guide thee : Isa. xxx. 
21,22: through fire and water : Isa. xliii. 2: through 
life and death : Ps. xxiii. 4 : through every change of 
life, and uoder all circumstances ; through the gloom of 
dejection and mists of corruption, through every condition 
in life and in death, '^ The Lord shall guide thee contin- 
ually. '[ 



OF DIVINE GUIDANCE. 123 

" He will guide you inlo all truth. " John xvi. 13- 

Has the Fioly Spirit of God convinced you of sin, of 
the curse of the law for sin, of the wrath of God as 
revealed against all sin, so that you have fled for refuge 
to the bleeding wounds of Je.^us, who came to save his 
people from their sins ? If so, you are truly blessed, be- 
ing saved from the worst of all sins, unbelief; the Spirit 
has glorified Clu'ist in your eyes and to your heart, and 
Christ will assuredly glorify your soul with him in his 
heavenly kingdom. The blessed Spirit by taking the 
things of Christ and revealing them unto you, has acted 
the part of a Quickener and Comforter; but do not sup- 
pose that his work is done, and you will now be left to 
shift for yourself. O no ; his work is not finished, he 
has not done \\ ith you yet. For, 

] St. '' He will ^uide you, " The Guide here promised 
has been, and continues to be the guide of all true be- 
lievers in Jesus ; for all w ho are born of God are led by 
the Spirit of God : Rom. viii. 14. You, no doubt, are 
sensible of your own dullness, and how liable you are to 
make mistakes ; but this should not discourage you, 
though youc way may appear dark and crooked : Isa. 
xlii. 16. It is true, the path is narrow, and many snares 
are laid for your feet, but never let that trouble you ; for 
your Guide is well acquainted with every inch of the 
road ; and having led so many through, you may safely 
depend upon him : Isa. xxx. 21. Your spirit may have 
to pass through sore conflicts, and seem ready to faint ; 
and th(^ enemy may sugg(»>t, that you may as good give 
up, for you will never hold out to the end, seeing you 
are surround^'d by so many difliculties, and errors. But 
let not that trouble you. For, 

!Ji(l. II(; will not oidy lead you out of the (hvstructivo 
paths of pride, self-will, and self-righteousness, but will 
^ui(l(^ you •' in(() all truth. " Tlu^ truth is the poor 
guilty siiuicr's oidy hope. The truth assures us, that 
the liord laid all our sins upon Jesus : I I*it. ii. "21 : 
whose blood cleanses from all sin : 1 John i. 7. What* 
ever is needful for you to know, you shall be made 
ac(|uaint('d with : Ps. xwii. 8. lie will guide you as 
an instructor dots a scholar, and as a guide does a tra- 
veller : Kom. viii. II. 



124 OF ABILITY FOR GOOD DISCOURSE. 

" Tlie moutli of the just bringeth forth wisdom." Prov. x. 31. 

Some men talk to please others ; while others talk to 
please themselves ; and the mouth of a fool is full of 
words: Eccl. x. 14. Not so whh true Christians, who 
are called just^ or righteous, on account of their being 
justified by faith in Jesus : Rom. v. 1 : and living by 
iaith upon him, who distinguishes them from unbelievers 
who are called unjust : Rom* i. 17. A fool tells all that 
he knows ; while the just knows when to speak, and 
what to speak: Prov. xxix. 11 : Luke xxi. 15. A just 
man in his discourse '* brings forth wisdom " for the 
benefit of others ; he is taught of God who gives him 
wisdom : Eccl. ii. 26. Whatever good he receives, he 
endeavors to do good with it : Matt. xii. 35. He studies 
more to please God, than to please his company ; though 
he may endeavor to please both: 1 Cor. x. 31. The 
Saviour tells us, that out of the abundance of the heart 
the mouth speaketh : Matt. xii. 35 : so that a heart in- 
fluenced by the grace of God may be expected to bring 
forth icisdom : Prov. xvi. 1. It is better to thhik much 
and say little, than to say much and think little. God 
takes notice of what v/e say as well as what we do: 
Matt. xii. 3G. If we live under the influence of the 
gospel, our conversation will be such as becomes the 
gospel : Phil. i. 27. YaYqyj just man is a lighteous man, 
in the sight of (jod ; hence, he has a righteous heart, 
righteous hopes, righteous joys, righteous fears, a holy 
life, and a godly conversation: Col. iii. 17. Men of 
this world may possess fine parts, profound learning, bril- 
liant talents, and stand very high in both church and 
state, and yet be perverse. They deride the gospel 
while they profess it. Separate from them ; come out 
from among them ; so shall ye save yourself from par- 
taking of their evils. Always beware of your dear 
Lord's enemies, though they profess to be his friends. 
Never taiy longer in any company than duty requires, 
where your mouth cannot bring iorth what God calls 
wisdom: 1 Cor. i. 18, 19. Seek after that wisdom 
which is pure ; peaceable ; gentle ; easy to to be en- 
treated ; full of mercy ; without partiality ; full of good 
works ; without hypocrisy : Jas. i. 17. Think twice 
before you speak once. 



OF ABILITY FOR GOOD DIRCOURSE. 125 

** To onn is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom ; to another 
the word of knowledge by the same Spirit. " 1 Cor. xii. 8. 

Formal professors say, that Jesus is the Lord ; and 
such a profession Is common to the openly profane ; but 
is no more profital)le to salvation than the true declara- 
tion of Siitan, " Thou art the Holy one of God : " Mark 
i. 24. But one who believes in Jesus in the heart, trusts 
in him as the once sin-bearing, sin-atoning, curse-sus- 
taining, but now-pleading Saviour ; and readily acknow- 
ledges himself indebted to him,x as the procuring cause of 
all the blessings he enjoys. 

God, who is the giver of every good and perfect gift, 
giveth to every one that which he sees will be for their 
good and his glory ; and however different those gifts 
might be, they all proceed from the same source: Jas. i. 17. 
To one he gives '' the word of ivisdom; " a knowledge 
of the mysteries of the gospel, with the ability to explain 
them for the benefit of others : jNIark iv. 11. To another 
he gives the '' word of knowledge ; " to enable them to 
give counsel and advice to those \\ ho need it ; and all 
pmceed through onechunnel, by the same Spirit. Never 
should it be forgotten, that whatever gifts God bestows, 
he expects us to improve them to the good of our fellow 
creatiu'es and his glory: Matt. xxv. 15 — 25. You may 
not have the ability to explain hard and grave sent»Mices, 
nor to answer every question that might be |)ut to you; 
but you ought always to be ready to give a reason to 
every man that asketh you Y)f the hoj)e that is in you: 
1 Pet. ii. 15. Some are fond of much talking, that 
others might think much of them ; but when you talk, 
let your conversation be such as becometh the Christian : 
Phil. i. 27. Endeavor to show yom* meekness and your 
wisdom by your conversation : Jas. iii. |;j. He eareful 
to live like a saint, and you will never talk like a siimer; 
but you will bi^ ready on all oc/asions to acknowledge 
yourself a simier saved fiom sin: l^uke xxi. 15. A 
sanctifu'd heart is better than an elocpient tongue. Krcp 
Christ in your luart, and a bridle on your tongue. Look 
at every word before you trust it out of your mouth. 
The way to become* a good spc^aker, is first to become 
an attentive hearer. Improve w hat you have, and God 
will give you all you need ; Phil iv. ID. 



126 OF THE MEANS OF GRACE. 

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me 
beside the still waters. " Ps. xxiii. 2. 

The more we do for God, the more we are indebted 
to him ; because he gives us the more ; and in order to 
get every good thing from him, we have only to walk 
uprightly before him : Ps. Ixxxiv. 11. And nothing pro- 
duces so much comfort to the soul, as a knowledge of what 
God is to us. '^ I am the good Shepherd, " saith Jesus : 
John X. 11. Thou art my Shepherd, says the believer. 
Experience had well taught David the duty of a shep- 
herd. How w^atchful to preserve in the time of danger ! 
how careful to guide and feed all committed to his care ! 
But herein is the peculiar love of the shepherd of our 
souls, he '' laid down his life for the sheep : " John x. 
15. A sheej3 is a weak, silly creature, and is often 
bleating and making a noise when it needs nothing ; so 
do we. Though it knows its shepherd, hears his voice, 
and will follow him, still it is naturally prone to wander 
from the fold ; and, if left to itself, would often leap into 
the very jaws of death ; or perish wdth hunger in the 
barren lanes, or on the unfruitful common ; so foolish are 
we also. Hence arises our distress aud unnecessary 
|)leatings ; we too frequently forget the dying-love, th^ 
covenant-sngagem.ents, and w^atchftil care, of our Shep* 
herd. The ordinances of God are the rich pastures 
which he has provided for his sheep ; but were we left to 
ourselves, w^e should never visit them, nor stay in them 
when there. But the voice of the Lord, our Shepherd, 
hath the pre-eminenre ; and he not only causeth us to 
pass through, but, '' He maketh us to lie down in green 
pastures, " while he himself guards us : Isa. xxvii. 3. 
The new man feeds upon the W'Ord of life, which fur- 
nishes milk for babes : 1 Pet. ii. 2 : and strong meat for 
those of full age : Heb. v. 14. Those who are fed by- 
God, are led by him. ''He leadeth them hes'ide the 
still waters ; " not by the troubled sea, nor stagnant 
waters, but still waters ; living streams, flowing from the 
living fountain, the consolations of his word and Spirit; 
which not only refresh, but cleanse : Jer. xxxiii. 8. 
Prize, highly prize, the means of grace, public, social, 
and private, and God wall abundantly bless you with 
the means. 



OF THE MEANS OF GRACE. 127 

** Go ye into all the world, and prearli the gospel to every crea- 
ture. He lliat bclic^vetli and is baptized shall be saved; but ho 
that believelh not shall be damned. " Mark xvi. 15, 16. 

Here we have the commission given by our Lord to 
the primitive preachers of the gospel ; but it was not 
confined to them alone, being intended for all who then 
did, or ever should, sustain that office or character. We 
are here informed. 

1st. To whom the Apostles were sent ; 1st. ^' Into 
all the world, " For there was no part of the world but 
needed salvation ; inasmuch as all the world had sinned 
against God ; and by so doing had brought death upon 
themselves : Rom. v. 1*2. All the world had revolted, and 
wandered from God ; and God was graciously pleased to 
send a proclamation of peace after them : Isa. liii. 6. 
2d. '' To every creature " in all the world. Their 
preaching was not to be confined to a favored few; 
because all were equally guilty, and under the same 
curse : Gal. iii. 10. And 3d. Every creature v\ as the 
creature of God ; though in a lost condition : Ps. c. 3. 
And no one having any righteousness of his own, the 
Redeemer woukl have his righteousness made known to 
all: Rom. iii. 10, 11. 

Secondly. What they were commissioned to preach ; 
*^ the f(ospcl.'^ 1st. Gospel signifies "frood tidings, ^^ 
or good news: Luke ii. 10; aiid includes whatever 
Christ has taught us in his word: Matt, xxviii. 19, 20. 
2d. The gospel exhibits Christ as a glorified nuleemer, 
great in dignity : Rev. iii. 21 — in power: Matt, xxviii. 
18: in possessions : John iii. 35 : in authority : Phil. ii. 
8 — 1 1. 3(1. This glorious Saviour must be preached in 
all the world ; because God gave him to the world ; so 
that the world has a claim to liim on that account : John 
iii. IG — IH : and lie is the propitation for the sins of the 
whole world ; I Jylin ii. 2. Hence, 4th. ile must be 
preachc(i to evrnj creature ; liecause every creature sus- 
tains thr character of tlK)^(' he came to save : I Tim. i. 15. 

Tliirdly. 'I'he results that would follow their preaching. 
All men arc damned, i. e. condemned, before thev believe: 
John iii. 19. ''lie that believeth^' with the heart: 
Acts viii. 37 : and evinces it !)y his works: James ii. 15 
— 17, '' shall be saved, ^' from sin and its consequence 



128 OF FRUITFULNESS. 

"I will be astlie dow unto Israel : he shall grow as the IHj, and 
cast forth his roots as Lebanon. " Hos. xiv. 5. 

Godliness is profitable unto all things, having prom- 
ise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come : 
1 Tim. iv. 8. Observe, 

1st. To all vvho are Israelites indeed, God will not 
only give them what they need, but \\ ill be that unto 
them, '- 1 will he as the dew unto Israel, " He will be 
their instructor ; his doctrine shall fall on them like dew, 
or small rain, on the grass or tender herb : Deut. xxxii. 
2. He will give thenr to know more and more of him- 
self ; for he will visit them as the rain visits the earth : 
Hos. vi. 3. And by being thus refreshed with his con- 
tinued visits, their souls will become like a w^ell-watered 
garden: Isa. Iviii. 11. When Israel was in the w^ilder- 
ness they had dew, but there was manna in it : Exod. 
xvi. 14 ; and so the graces of the Spirit are manna hid 
in the dew: John i. 16. The grace that God gives 
thus freely, shall not be in vain. For, 

2d. '' They shall grow as the lily, "^ True grace is 
growing grace. The 7'oot of the lily lies in the ground 
all winter as though it were lost ; but when the dews of 
spring come to refresh it, it grows a great deal in a little 
time: and then appears a lovely flower: Matt. vi. 29. 
So the grace of God improves young converts, and is the 
comeliness of the sou): Ezek. xvi. 14. The dew falls 
softly, and oftentimes insensibly ; so the truths of God 
upon the souls of men. The lily grows fast and looks 
well, but soon fades, and is easily plucked up. There* 
fore, 

3d. ^^ Israel shall cast forth his roots as Lebanon ; 
as the trees of Lebanon ; which, when well rooted, can- 
not be plucked up: Amos ix. 15. As the growth of a 
tree depends on the root, so we depend on Christ, " the 
root and the offspring of David : " Rev. xxii. 16. It is 
by faith we become united to Christ, as the branch is to 
the vine ; and when faith works by love to the truths of 
God, they become as refreshing dew to all our other 
graces ; and make us diligent in the w^ays of God. That 
is the best faith that does the best work and the most of 
it. The faith of God's Israel cordially embraces the 
words of God ; and lives upon Christ. 



or FRITITFULNESS. 129 

** He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth 
much fruit ; for without me je can do nothing. " John xv. 5. 

A FAiTHLKSs soul IS a Chrlstless soul, and a Christ- 
less soul is a fruitless soul. By their fruits ye shall know 
them : Matt. vii. 20. These words suppose, 

First, That the Vine-dresser expects every branch in 
the vine to bear fruit. And why ? Because of the 
relation in which they stand to Christ, who is the true 
and living Vine. They are branches in him : Ver. 1 
The Redeemer calls himself the Vine ; and compares 
all believers in him to branches of himself, and his Father 
to the husbandman, or dresser of the vine. A mere pro- 
fession gives no man a place in the true Vine. We 
must abide in his word as our rule : John viii. 31 : and 
in his merit as our righteousness : 1 Cor. i. 30. He that 
exercises faith in him, and love to him, feeds upon his 
promises, and is led by his Spirit, *' the same bringeth 
forth much fruit : " 2 Pet. i. 8. But what fruit does he 
expect ? 1st. Not bad fruit ; nor a mixture of good and 
bad. From a vine, we are taught to expect grapes : Isa. 
v. 2: and from a Christian, we as naturally expect the 
fruits of righteousness, a Christian life and conversation : 
1 Cor. ix. 9, 10. 2d. Such as may reasonably be ex- 
pected from a healthy branch, nourished by the best of 
Vines ; hence good in quantity, and constantly bearing: 
Ver. 16. In short, 3d. Such are expected to be filled 
with good fruits : Phil. i. 1 1. 

Secondly. None can be fruitful without, or separate 
from, Christ. ^^ Without me ye can do nothing,^' 1st. 
Witliout our being in Ciirist : Ver. 4 : and Christ being 
in us, we cannot now^ and never could bring forth such 
fruit as the Vine-dresser will accept. It is not enough 
to know we were once in him ; for unless we abide in 
liiin, and keep his word : V^er. 7 : we shall become 
witlu^.rcd and unfruitful. 2(1. Since we camiot be saved 
without fruit, and cannot bear it without Christ, let us be 
careful to abide in him ; and be careful that our fruit be 
neither declining in (lualily nor (|uantily : 1 Cor. \v. 58. 
3d. We do not produc(^ good fruit in order that we 
might bi; brought into Christ ; but we are graft(Ml in 
(yhrist that we might bring forth good fruit. 'I'he Chris- 
tian lives to work, though he does not work to li\(\ 
12 



130 



OF INCREASE OF GRACE. 



*^ The righteous shall flourish like the palm-tree. " Ps. xcii. 12, 

The palm-tree is found in many warm countries, but 
especially in the north of Africa, and the south of Asia, 
Many palms grew on the banks of Jordan ; but the best 
grew about Jericho and Engedi ; hence Jericho is called 
" the city of palm-trees : " Deut. xxxiy. 3. The palm- 
tree is here made an em.blem of a righteous man's person 
and condition ; and, if historians are to be relied upon^ 
the analogy is certainly a very striking one. For, the 
palm-tree, it is said, 1st. Grows upright and tall ; so do 
the righteous ; who are candid, sincere, and upright in 
the sight of God and man : 2 Sam. xxii. 24 : and though 
they are planted on the earth, it is in the Lord^s house ; 
and Jesus their top, or Head, being above all things, they 
might be said to grow so tall as to reach from earth to 
heaven. 2d. The palm-tree is ever green ; and so is 
the believer : Ps. i. 3 : for the trees of the Lord are full 
of sap : Ps. civ. 16. 3d. The palm-tree is not injured 
by burdens being hung upon it ; neither is the Christian; 
for his troubles, or burdens, only serve to drive him to 
God, who has engaged to sustain both him and his bur- 
den : Ps. Iv. 22. 4th. The more the Palm-tree is ex- 
posed to the sun, the better is its growth ; so tlie believer, 
the more he basks beneath the rays of the Sun of right- 
eousness, the more healthy and active he is : Mai. iv. 2. 
5th. Palm-lrees, while their juice continues, become more 
fruitful as they grow older ; so do Christians grow from 
babes to young men, and then fathers ; bringing forth 
fruit in proportion : Johp xv. 5. 6th. The palm-tree is 
said to bear three or four hundred pounds of dates every 
year ; how abundant also is the fruit of the righteous ! 
that is, their counsel, example, instruction, &c. : Prov. 
xi. 30 : 1 Cor. xv. 58. 7th. There is a kind of wine 
extracted from the palm-tree ; how reviving, comforting, 
and encouraging, is the seasonable advice, and suitable 
relief, which the sufferings and afflictions of the poor and 
distressed extract from the heart, hand, and lips of the 
righteous ! Job. xxix. 13. 8th. They also extract from 
it a kind of honey ; how sweet, pleasant, and healing, is 
even a word when fitly spoken: 1 Prov. xv. 11. 9th. 
The female bears no fruit if planted without the male ; 
so we without Christ ; John xv. 5. 



OF INCREASE OF GRACE. 131 

" But 1)0 givelh more grace. *' James iv. 6. 

Many who are called Christians, have great wealth in 
their hands, but no grace in their hearts ; hence, they do 
no good with their goods : Mait. xix. 24. Such possess 
much, but inherit nothing, that can afford true content- 
ment. But wherever God gives grace, '' he givelh more 
grace ; " for unto him that hath, and improves what he 
hath, more shall be given : Mark iv, 24, 25. A child 
of grace never thirsts for any other streams than those 
which flow from the Rock, Christ: John iv. 14. All 
the grace^ favor, or good-will, which flows fix^m God to 
sinners, runs through Jesus Christ ; in whom all their 
treasures are hid : Col. ii. 3. It is out of his fulness we 
have received grace for the sake of grace ; an abundance 
o{ grace ; grace upon grace : John i. 16. Surely, believers 
ought to be humble, when they have to come to Jesus 
for all their supplies. It was in Christ Jesus, that God 
first gave us his grace : Rom. v. 20, 21. He called us 
by his [^race into grace : Gal. i. 6 : justified us by his 
grace : R(?ni. iii. 24 : we are comfoited by his grace : 2 
Cor. i. 3, 4 : He sanctifies us by his grace : Rom. xv. 
15, 16 : we shall be brought to glory through grace : 1 
Pet. i. 13. Are not these aboundin(i:s of [rrace enoufrh 

too o 

to make you humble and thankful ; and to make sin nK)re 
than ever hateful ? Is this not sufficient to make you 
cont(MUed and happy ? No, say you, I am so vile, so 
unbelieving, and so ungrateful, that I fear I shall forfeit 
all these things ; so you would, and quickly too, if you 
stood in yourself; but you stand in Christ; therefore, 
here is a promise from a faithful God, '' He giveth more 
grace. '' 

Consiiler ^\hat God has already done for you. 1st. 
you have the unchanging, everlasting love of God fixed 
on you : Jer. xxxi. 3. 2d. You have the \\U\ death, 
and intercession of the* Son of God for your righteous- 
ness : 1 ('or. i. 30, 3(1. And that you may have no 
doubt of lliis, the Spirit has bestowed his graces upon 
you : (iai. iv. 6. And 4lh. To encourage and enable 
you to persevere, you have all his precious promises made 
over to you in Christ Jesus ; 2 Cor. i. 20. But, in short, 
all things are yours: 1 Cor. i. 22: and over and above 
that, " He givith more grace." 



132 OF GRACE TO PERSEVERE. 

"When I said, My foot slippeth ; thv mercy, O Lord, held me 
up. " Ps. xciv. 18. 

Vain thotigbts, and carnal reasonings^ Irke unwelcome 
visiters, will often intrude upon the Christian's mind* 
Though our minds are renewed by grace, we being born 
again of the Spirit, still our old friends, the world, the 
flesh, and the devil, too frequentlj annoy tks by their 
visits. The best of saints have been troubled by the 
worst of thouo;hts ; and sometimes those thoughts have 
grown into words. God's dear children, in times of sore 
trial, often say things tliey are afterwards sorry for. 

" M^htn " visited with great pain, sore trials, severe 
conflicts, and dark clouds, '^ /, " who bad experienced 
so much of thy goodness, and so many gracious interpo- 
sitions of thy providence and grace, '' said, My foot slip- 
peih, *' Yea, I said it, for I verily thought it. I made 
quite sure it was a gone-case with me ; and cried out, 
like one on a crumbling precipice, ^* My foot slippeth ! ^^ 
T must fall! my streno^th is gone — my troubles are 
great — I can bear them no longer — my friends are 
become my foes — their envenomed darts are flying so 
thickly around me — and, after all my profession, there 
is no avoiding it — I must fall by the hand of my enemy* 
O save me ! My foot sHppeth !. When I thus reasoned 
with unbelief, and thought I had no foundation to rest 
my faith upon ; and actually said as much ; even then^ 
'^ thy mercy, O Lord, " the gifts of thy mercy, and the 
hope I had in it, '' held me up, " kept me from fallings 
and frustrated the designs of all my enemies : 2 Cor. 
i. 8, 9. It frequently happens, that the wicked oppress- 
ors have great power : Ps. xxxvii. 35 : and then it is no 
marvel if the oppressed have to stand alone, like Paul 
before Nero: 2 Tim. iv. 16. You, too, may have to 
travel a rugged path, and be ready to come to the con- 
clusion, that your enemies are so numerous, your diffi- 
culties so great, and your strength so small, that you 
cannot possibly hold out to the end. '' My foot slippeth !'" 
say you. But who is it tells you so ? Not the word of 
God ! No, that tells you to " hope in God, for thou 
shalt yet praise him : " Ps. xlii. 5. He who gave you 
grace to fear, will also give you grace to persevere. 
Improve the grace you have, and th?it will improve you. 



OF GRACE TO PERSEVERE. 133 

" Biiinrr confident of this very thinir, that he which hatli hegun a 
good vv(>rk in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." 
Phil. i. 6 

The gospel is the power of God : Rom. i. 16. 
Christ is the power of God : 1 Cor. i. 24. And it is 
by the same power that dead souls are quickened : Eph. 
ii. 1 : the natural enmity of their hearts slain, and they 
made willing to perform the good pleasure of his will : 
Phil. ii. 13. We have here, Paul's confident hope of 
the believer's salvation. That the work begun would 
certainly be completed. Observe, 

1st. The work itself. It is the work of peace in the 
soul, operating in the understanding, conscience, will, 
affections, the whole man : 2 Cor, v. 17. 

2d. The character it sustains. It is a '■ good work. ^^ 
Good, inasmuch as it is the object God had in view, 
when, in his infinite goodness, he gave his beloved Son : 
John iii. 16. Good, as it respects its subject. It gives 
rest to the laboring conscience, purifies the heart, and 
elevates that which is low : 1 John iii. 1. Good, as it 
regards others. True Christians are real blessings to 
those around them, lights to illuminate, salt to season, 
and their influence is extensive: Matt. v. 13 — 16. 

3d Its Author. It forms no part of our common 
nature, which grows up as we grow: 2 Cor. ii. 14. 
Neither is it produced by education: 1 Cor. i. 20, 21. 
It is the effect of divine influence ; in its commence- 
ment, '^ He hath begun it ; " in its continuance and com- 
pletion : John iii. 6 — 8. ''He will perform it ;^^ he 
will carry on what he has begun, " until the day of Je- 
sus Christ ; " and then the work will be complete, and 
God be all in all : 1 Cor. xv. 28. Of this the Apostle 
has no doubt. Hence, 

4th. He assures us, that whatever doubts he might 
have on other subjects, he was ''confident of this very 
thin!^/^ that God would never leave his work in an un- 
finislu^l state, like those who begin a work without 
counting the cost ; and find, when too late, they are un- 
able to finish what they had begun. Had he not good 
reason to be confident ? surely he who had pardoned the 
rebel, would save the child: Kom. v. 8, 9. lie of good 
courage, and exert the strength you have. 
12* 



134 OF SANCTIFIED AFFLICTIONS. 

"As a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth 
thee. " Deut. viii.5. 

Afflictions may, yea, will attend you all through tlie 
journey of life : John xvi. 33 : but you should always 
recollect, they do not come by chance ; Job v. 6, 7 : 
and that, though the cross may hang heavy, and be very 
bitter, it is very short: 2 Cor. iv. 17. We should con- 
sider divine correction. 

First. As the means of religious improvement ; for, 
1st. Afflictions are a restraint from evil ; with them God 
frequently hedges up our way as he did the Jews : Hos. 
ii. 6, 7. He afflicts in order to save. He keeps man 
from that which would destroy him : and only removes 
those pleasures that would poison our souls. He has to 
block up our way to keep us in his way. 2d. Affliction 
excites us to duty. We are too apt to settle down and 
be at ease, when we ought to be at work ! God merci- 
fully rouses us from our lethargy ; and embitters earth, 
to raise our hearts to heaven ; and by afflictions brings 
us to his footstool : Ps. cxix. 67, 71. 3d, Affliction is 
a needful, though painful ordeal. Tlie Christian shines 
brightest when surrounded by flames ; they illuminate 
and refine, without consuming him : 1 Pet. i. 7. 4th. 
Affliction is a seasonable monitor. Prosperity has a 
tendency to produce a most ungrateful efiect ; for, such 
is our corruption, we are never more ready to forget God, 
than when leaded with his benefits : Prov. xxx. 8, 9. 
. Second. Divine correction should be considered as 
the discipline of paternal regard. For, '^ As a man 
chasteneth his son, " &c. A father corrects his children, 
1st. With reluctance. He tries every other method — 
the eloquence of love, the entreaty of affection, the 
promise of reward, &:c., before he inflicts punishment. 
So our Heavenly Father. He never takes up the rod 
till gentler means have failed: Heb. xii. 6 — 11. 2d. 
With \visdom. In a way most calculated to produce 
reform, with calm, clear, and most deliberate wisdom, a 
Father corrects his child. So our heavenly Parent, as 
it regards the time, manner, and instrument. 3d. With 
tenderness. Cruelty should never be brought into pater- 
nal discipline. Our heavenly Father afflicts with one 
hand, while he supports \.ith the other : Ps. ciii. 13. 



OF SANCTIFIED AFFLICTIONS. 135 

** We glory in tribulations also ; knowing that tribulation work- 
eth patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope. " 
Rom. V. 3,4. 

Consolations frequently come wrapped up in afflic- 
tions. The glory of t']e Lord never appeared brighter 
to Jacob, than it did on the night he made the God of 
the universe his landlord ; when he stretched his wearied 
body on the cold damp ground, with a few stones for his 
pillow, and the star-spangled canopy of heaven for his 
only covering: Gen. xxviii. 10 — 15. While the stones 
flew about Stephen's ears, the heavens were opened to 
his eyes : Acts vii. 59, 60. Whenever God afflicts you, 
always remember it is to humble you: Lam. iii. 19, 20. 
" We glory in tribulations ; " for we are not only assured 
they cannot harm us : 2 Cor. iv. 17 : but that we must 
pass through them to our possessions : Acts xiv. 22. 
The saint's happiness is a growling happiness ; it is peace, 
grace, glory, and joy in the hope of it : Col. i. 27. The 
Christian glories in all sorts of tribulation ; but especially 
that which comes for righteousness' sake: Acts v. 4K 
The trial of one grace, begets and improves another. 
'• Tribulation worketh patience, " when the grace of 
God works in and ivith the tribulation ; it improves our 
patience, and does it more good than it possibly can do 
us harm. How shouhl we know that we had any pa- 
tience, if it was never tried ? Those who have the most 
patience in tribulations, have the greatest divine conso- 
lations : 2 Thes. ii. 16. '' Patience worketh experi- 
ence,'^ serves to prop up our hojic, and keep us from 
falling into sadness: 1 Thes. iv. 13. When God puts 
his children in the House-of-correction, it is that they 
rnidit <ret instruction : Ps. cxix. 71. Poor Job's tribula- 
tions wrought patience , and that patienc(^ pro(hic(Hl an 
approbation : Job. ii. 3. When a top is whipped most, 
it goes best. IJut in all your afllictions, remember 
God is a kind, impartial Father, who loves all his 
chihh'en too w<'ll to wilhht)hl the rod, when he sees 
their fauhs an^ such as to need correction : Ps. xciv. 
12. You may kill be(»s with honey ; and quicken 
them with vinegar. Prosperity may kill our graces ; 
but adversity will quicken them. Be always afraid of 
sinning ; but never afraid of suflering: 2 Tim. ii. 12. 



136 OF SANCTIFIED AFFLICTIONS. 

" He makt^th sore, and he bindeth up : he woundeth, and his 
hands make whole. " Job v. 18. 

Patient Job was as wicked by nature as any sinner 
that ever was born. True, he was an eminent saint; 
but who made him so ? The same Saviour who sancti- 
fies us. Look, hke Job, upon all you enjoy as the free 
gift of a God of unchanging love ; hold their giver fast, 
but hold the gifts with a loose hand. Perhaps some of your 
sweetest enjoyments are fled, and you are now saying, 
'' The Lord hath taken away. " Well, admitting he 
has. He first gave ; and his love is the same when he 
takes, as when he gives ; and you have good cause to 
say, for both, '' blesssed be the name of the Lord : " 
Job. i. SL ''He maJceth sore,^' with providential 
afflictions ; but then, '^ He bindeth up " with spiritual 
consolations : Zech. xiii. 9. The sorest sore, is not to 
be sensible of our sore ; but to be conscious of it, is 
more than half the cure : 2 Chron. vi. 29. The Lord 
may have an occasion to use the incision-knife, but he 
never leaves open the wound. '' He woundeth, and his 
hands bind up : " Ps. cxlvii. 3. Though he wounds' his 
people with afflictions, he strengthens and supports them 
under them. The hand that makes the wound, never 
fails to apply the cure. '^ He jiiaJteth whole, " then all 
is well again; and the patient sufferer acknowledges, 
that all has been for his good: Ps. cxix. 7L Divine 
Wisdom can never make a w^ound too deep for infinite 
love to cure: Isa, xix. 22. If he convinces and causes 
the sinner to mourn, he always comforts the mourner : 
Isa. Ixi. 2.. If he humbles, it is that he might exalt : 
Ps. xxxvii. 34. When he tears the impenitent, let 
^ them heal them who can : Hos. v. 14 : but humble peni- 
tents may say, '^ He has torn, and he will heal us : " 
Hos. vi. L Your comforts may fly from you; but the 
God of comfort will abide with you : Dan. xi. 35. 
Earthly comforts, like glass, though bright, are easily 
broken. By yielding to temptations, we lose our con- 
solations ; and bring on afflictions, which make the 
wound to bleed afresh. When afflictions befall you, let 
them never appal you, while you have a Saviour near 
you. When your soul is bowed down beneath a load of 
afflictions, take them tO; and roll them upon the Lord. 



OF SANCTIFIED AFFLICTIONS. 137 

«* For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for 
us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. " 2 Cor. iv. 17. 

Infinitely beyond all the reasonings of vain philoso- 
phy, is the Christian's sight by faith ; to reconcile his mind 
to afflictions, endure with patience under, and give vic- 
tory over them. When the prospects of earth fail you, 
let it not distress you ; seeing better comforts await you : 
John xiv. 1, 2. Before you look upon your afflictions 
to be heavy, always weigh them in the balance? of the 
sanctuary ; put your earthly sufferings in one scale, and 
your heaven of glory in the other ; and then you will 
find your nffiictions to be light, and your £^lory an cter^ 
nal weight : Phil. iii. 7, 8. Your cross may seem heavy, 
but your crown will be bright : 2 Tim. iv. 8. Unbelief 
would have you look upon your afflictions as Ions: and 
heavy ; but faith will have it they are short and H[rht ; 
and are appointed to prepare you for your crown of 
glory : 2 Tim. iv. 8. While you feel the sharpness of 
your afflictions, consider the shortness of them ; " but 
for a moment ; " and then all your sighin^^ will be turned 
into singing : John xvi. 20 : your sorrow into joy ; your 
lamentations into consolations ; your ashes into beauties ; 
and your sackcloth into fine linnen : Isa. Ixi. 3. That 
wound is not always the worst, that smarts the most. 
Afflictions, at their worst, are only like walkins; over a 
rough road to a comfortable house ; or throui^h a dark 
passage into a light room : Jas. i. 12. Yet, it is certain, 
that all the pious are not equally afflicted and tried ; 
notwithstanding all have tribulations while in tl)is world : 
2 Tim. iii. 12. They have some afflictions in common 
with mankind, and others peculiar to themselves. This 
interesting passage, 

1st. Specifies present affliction, " For our light af- 
fliction, which is but for a moment. " 

2d. Uescribes fiiture happiness : '' A farinorr fxcred- 
ing and eternal weight of glory. " 

3d. Suggests useful instruction. It being well calcu- 
lated to edify and profit every suffering saint. Your 
night will be soon turned into day, and your cross into a 
crown : Kev. xxii. 5. It is better to be afflicted here, 
than hereafter. Your heavenly Father counts every 
stroke, and will never suflier you to receive one too many. 



138 OF AN INTEREST IN GOD AS OUR GOD. 

" Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they 
arise. Awake and sing, ye tliat dwell in the dust ; for thy dew is 
as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. ** 
Isa. xxvi. 19. 

EzEKiEL was commanded to '^ Prophecy upon, and 
preach unto, the dry bones ; '' and, strange as it may 
appear to us, they were made to hve, and regard his 
voice: Ezek. xxxvii. 1 — 10. Let us inquire, 

1st. Who are the "dead men^^ here spoken of? 
" By one man sin entered into the world, and death by 
sin ; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have 
sinned:" Rom. v, \2. '' And you hath he quickened, 
who ivere dead in trespasses and sins:" Eph. ii. 1, 
And you, being dead in youi sins and the uncircumcision 
of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, 
(Christ), having forgiven you all trespasses: Col. ii. 13. 
2d. To whom do these dead men belong ? The prophet 
says, '' Thy dead men shall live. " So that, it is plain, 
they are God^s dead men ; who declares, " Behold all 
souls are mine: '' Ezek. xviii. 4. " Know ye that the 
Lord he is God ; it is he that hath made us, and not we 
ourselves ; we are his people, and the sheep of his 
pasture: Ps. c. 3. 3d. All these dead men shall live; 
**' Together with m.y (Christ's) dead body shall they 
arise. " '' For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ 
shall all be made alive. " Then shall be bix)ughtto pass 
the saying that is written. Death is swallowed up in 
victory : " 1 Cor. xv. 2*2 — 54. '^ God sent his Son into 
the world that we mio-ht live throuorh him : " I John iv. 
9. And the Son says, " Because I live, ye shall live 
also : '' John xiv. 1 9. 4th. Who are they who make up 
the dead body of Christ ? " But I would have you know, 
that the head of every man is Christ : " 1 Cor. xi. 3. 
" So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every- 
one members one of another : '' Rom. xii. 5. 5th. 
The exhortation given to those '' that dwell in the dust. " 
"Awake and sing ! '^ ''Wherefore he saith, Awake 
thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ 
shall give thee light. " 6th. Why are they that " dwell 
in the dust, " called upon to awake and sing ? Because 
the Lord promises that his " doctrine shall drop as the 
-ain, his speech distil as the dew," &,c. : Deut. xxxii. 2. 



OF AN INTEREST IN GOD AS OUR GOD. 13S/ 

" God is not ashamed to be railed tlieir God ; for he hatli prepared 
for them a city. " Ileb. xi. IG. 

Such is the amazing condescension of God, that not- 
withstanding the meanness of our nature, the vileness of 
our practice, and the great poverty of our present con- 
dition, he is not ashamed of us. Observe, 

1st* All true believers have an interest in God ; and 
none else can, with consistency, call him their God : 
Heb. ix. 6v It is by faith we lay hold on God, and 
become interested in him and his fulness. 

2d. He is called their God ; yea, he declares himself 
to be " The God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, 
and the God of Jacob. " *' So then they which be of 
faith are blessed with failhful Abraham: " Gal. iii. 9. 

3d. '^ He is not ashamed to be called their God. " 
How careful, then, ought they to be, never to become a 
shame and reproach to him ? and never be ashamed to 
be called his jjeople. It is our privilege to call him ours. 
He has put his Spirit within our hearts, that we might 
call him Father : ^^ Rom. viii. 15. God regards a saint 
in rags, more than a sinner in robes : Ps. cxxxviii. 6. 
God neither takes nor gives empty titles ; if he is called 
their God, he will act as such ; and provide for them 
accordingly. 

.4th. " He hath prepared for them a city ; " so that it 
shall never be said, he has adopted a people for his own 
without making suitable provision for them. The whole 
of the crum])ling tab(n'nacles now occupied by his people, 
will soon be levelled with the dust ; but no matter, since 
he hath '' ])repared for them a city ; '' a place of happi- 
piness every way suited to that relation into which he 
has taken them : 1 John iii. 2. The |)eople of God are 
now scattered all over the face of tlu* globe ; but his 
gracious design is to have them all to dwell in onc^ |)lace ; 
hence " Ik^ hath prepared for them a city, " suilicienlly 
commodious for his whole family : Heb. xi. 10. 

You need no more to make you happy, than to I)avo 
the liord for your God : Ps. cxliv. 15 : for he is your 
strength, your song, your salvation : Isa. xii. '2. it is 
tru(5 you have work to do, temptations to grapple with, 
and afllictions to bear ; and you are weak in youi-self* 
but he will strengthen you by his grace: Zeph. iii. 17. 



140 OF THE PBESENGE OF GOD. 

** And ye shall know that T am in the midst of Israel, and that 1 
am the Lord your God. " Joel ii.27. 

Various are the means the Lord makes use of to make 
himself known to his people. Sometimes he does it by 
chastisements : Ezek. vi. 7 : and at others, by comforts : 
Ezek. xxxvii. 13. When God makes himself known 
unto us by givino; us peace, joy, and plenty, it is evident 
that he has pardoned our sins, and accepted of us 
through his beloved Son ; and that he is as much our 
God as ever he was ; having taken us into covenant and 
communion with him ; and given us to know " that he 
is in the midst of us : " Rom. v. 1,2. There are many 
who live in plenty, while they have great poverty ; being 
destitute of real piety : Rev. iii. 17. The more God 
blesses some, the less they bless God ; and turn their 
temporal mercies into curses : Jer. v. 7^ Earthly com- 
forts should give wings to our devotion ; but, too often, 
they are like lead to our wings : Mark x. 22. Nothing 
can harm the Israel of God, while the God of Israel is 
in their midst: Lev. xxvi. 12. Some people are so full 
of religion, they cannot tell whether they have a God 
or not. But not so with the true Israel ; for they know 
that the " Lord is their God ; " and the most ardent 
desire of every soul, whose God is the Lord, is, that 
all the world might be made to know that he is their 
God. Whatever comes from God leads to him. We 
have nothing whereof to glory in ourselves, nor over 
others. God's Israel, by nature, were all children of 
wrath even as others : Eph. ii. 3 : and in their flesh 
dwells no good thing ; yet, through grace, they are 
" created anew in Christ Jesus, unto good works : " Ver. 
10. God looks upon the work of his new creation 
with delight ; pronounces it good ; and records the graces 
of his Israel ; but blots out their sins. There are none 
who would not love God full as well as we, and perhaps 
much better, were they but as well acquainted with him. 
Hast thou not, then, a heart to pity, a tongue to pray for, 
those who know not God ? Yea, thou hast ; for it is 
impossible for any one to be a Christian and not possess 
the Spirit of Christ, who prayed for his very murderers. 
Your hopes are not suspended on your own faithfulness to 
grace, but on the faithfulness of God, &c. : Acts x. 34, 35. 



OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD. ]4l 

*« If a man love mo, lie will keep my words ; and my Father will 
love iiiin, ari'l we will come unto iiim, and make our abcjde with 
him. " John xiv. 23. 

Ol^r lov^e keeps pace with our faith. As faith ;:(rows 
str()n<j;er, love grows warmer. A soul in its first love, 
may be ready to think, that what the Saviour did and 
suffered for sinners, was to procure the love of God the 
Fatlier to them, and to appease the fury of his wrath 
ai^ain=;t them. But this is an error. ^' For God so loved 
the world, (of sinners,) that he gave his only begotten 
Son, thiU whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 
but have everlasting life: " Jo!m iii. 16. ''God com- 
mendeth his love towards u^, in that, while we were yet 
shiners, Christ died for us : " Ron], v. 8. By sin, we 
made ourselves children of v/ rath : Eph. ii. 3 : and God, 
by his <i;race, made us objects of his love : 1 John iv. 9, 
10. All who believe in Christ, are sure to love him; 
and all who love him keep his wods: John xv. 14. 
We must evince our love to Jesus, by keeping his word ; 
and he will prove his love to us by keeping to his word : 
Jolm xiv. 15, 16. Where love leads, duty follows; and 
where love to the Son leads, love from the Father fol- 
lows. ''iV/y Fiithcr ivill love him, " and will give such 
manifestations of his love, that no room shall be left for 
a doul)t : 1 John iv. 16. For they shall have his smiles 
and his emhiaces : Prov. viii. 17: and his Sj)irit, which 
I will pr;iy him to send them: Matt. x. 19, *2(). ^' And 
we Will come unto him, " He does not say, /will come ; 
no, but '- fVc w ill coiue imto him ; " for, in this sense, 
it was impossible for one to come without the other ; they 
being both one : John xiv. 9. Those who love Christ, 
will not be put off with m(M*cly having a messenger fiom 
him ; but he, and his Father w ill come unto them ; so 
that our not being able to go to him, shall not |)revenl 
our having an iiUer\'icw with (mcIi other: "2 Chron. xv. 
2. Neither shall it be a transient visit, nor an occasional 
call; for, it is added, '' \Vt» will make our abode w.ih 
him.'' We will live with sueh an one, wliih* hero bo^ 
low; till such time that it wi'd Ik* for tin* good of the one, 
and the glory of the other, f)r all to live together above; 
and then 1 will come again, and see that my friends ar« 
carefully removed : John xii. 26. 

IJ 



142 OF AN INTEREST IN THE LOVE OF GOD. 

*' The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty ; he will save, 
he will rejoice over liiee with joy ; he will rest in his love, he will 
joy over thee witJi singing. " Zeph. iii. 17. 

Notions of the Lord may satisfy dry, formal profess- 
ors ; but those who are truly alive to God, can rest 
nothing sliort of the enjoyment of his presence. Dry up 
your tears, pluck up your spirits, give your fears to the 
winds, dread not your enemies, put on courage. For, 

1st. /' The Lord thy God is in the midst of thee. " 
When David went to meet the giant of Gath, he uttered 
not a word of his own might and power ; because the 
mic{hi of the Lord his God v/as his only support ; so 
Paul, he was able to do all things in the strength of 
Christ: Phil. iv. 13. The greater your afBiction and 
poverty, the more numerous and powerful your foes, the 
greater reason you have to trust in God, who is mighty: 
Ps. cxxi. 7, 8. His mighty salvation is already ben;un 
in your heart ; and you have no cause for dejection. 
For, 

2d. ^' He iviil save. " He is ahJe to save ; and has 
already given you abundant proof of his willingness ; his 
word declares it ; aad his work proves it. Cast aw^ay 
all vain notions of termjS and conditions of salvation ; 
seeing it is written, ''He w^ill save." Who then, 
dare say that anything can prevent it ? Assuredly as his 
name is Jesus, he will save his people from their sins : 
and that is all he came to save us from ; and all we have 
to fear: Matt. i. 21. Cast all upon the will of Jesus. 
For, 

3cl. '' He iviJl rejoice over thee ivithjoy. *' He came 
to seek and to save that which was lost : Luke xix. 10. 
'^ He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be 
satisfied: " Isa. liii, 10. When a sinner is conveitedj 
saints are comforted ; and angels rejoice : and God has 
^]oy: Luke xv. 10. And, 

4tb. He is so well pleased, that he declares he will 
^^ rest in his love, " He will no longer chastise for those 
sins over w4iich he had caused you to mourn : but will 
so fix his love upon you, that you shall evermore be one 
of his ow^n family : 2 Cor. vi. 1 6 — 1 8. Your sins 
caused him grief, but your conversion caused him much 
joy ; yea, ^^ joy over thee with singhig,'^ 



OF AN INTEREST IN THE LOVE OF GOD. 143 

*' Heroin is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and 
sent his Sou to be the propitiation for our sins. " ] John iv. 10. 

Some have represented God as burning with implaca- 
ble rage against the human family, till Clirist died to 
appease his wrath and make him merciful. This is an 
unscriptural idea. Christ died because God was merci- 
ful ; not to render him so ; but to make a channel through 
whir^h a stream of salvation might flow to aH mankind. 
Observe, 

1st. The Love of God displayed in sending his Son. 
" Il'srcin is love, '' Unparalelled in its nature. Love — 
undeserved, unsolicited, disinterested, never invited by 
anything good in man : Gen. vi. 5. '' Herein is love : " 
immense in its extent, reaching to every age and clime, 
to every character and condition, even to the most aban- 
doned and abominable of the human race : 1 Tim. i. 
15. hove without any equal — love hke an ocean, 
without bottom or shore, deluging the whole world : 1 
John ii. 2. Mighty love 1 Love covering every sm, 
and comprehending every blessing: 1 John iv. 16. 
Glorious love ! in its purpose and final issue ; designed to 
procure holiness, pardon, and heaven. 

2d. God tlius loved us, when we had no love for him. 
" Not that ice loved God. " No indeed ! for our minds 
were enmity, in the abstiact, again-t him : Rem. viii. 7. 
Amazing goodness ! " lie loved us. '' l^oundless love ! 
Love extending from eternity to etcMuity ! and so di^ep 
that it reaches the vilest sinner and low (>st case : Ps. ciii. 
8. Love that brought Jksus from the height of glory 
to the depth of shame, from great riches to extreme 
poverty : 2 Cor. viii. 1). For, " 

3d, " God sent his Son to b(^ tlu^ propitiation for our 
sins. " Herein is low ! Love that induced the (Jod of 
love to give his only begotten Son to be a '' jwopiiiadon 
(i. e. victim or atoning sacrifice: ^2 Cor. v. *JI,) /or nur 
sins;'' that he might raise sinncM's from the (le|)ihs of 
sin and \s n'tchedness, to the heights of iioruu^- and hap- 
piness. IMatehless love ! Jjovc that gav(» llu» Incisures 
of heav(Mi to enrich earth! Can you any longer doubt 
of your interest in his love? It is true", he hates sin; 
but \\here can you find a sinner he does not love? 
Hcivin is love that demands vour Ionc ! 



144 OF AN INTEREST IN THE MERCS' OF GOI>. 

" He retaineth not Ins anger iorever, because he delightelh m 
mercy." Minah. vii. 18. 

Mercy \ What a welcome sound ! It is the cbeerer 
of the heart, the burden of our song, the dehght of 
heaven, the envy of hell, and the distinguished attribute 
of God ! Exod. xxxiii. 19. As God excels in all other 
things, so he does in his manner of forgiving sins. His 
love is infinite, and his mercy matchless: Ps. cxiii. 11, 
12. -Observe, 

1st. Though God frequently causes his people to 
grieve on account of their sins, he no sooner sees them 
bumbled under a sense of their guilt, than he has com- 
passion on them ; pardons their sins, and consequently 
removes the punishment; for where there is no sin, there 
can be no punishment : Ps. Ixxxvi. 5. The Lord is slow 
to an^er, but swift to show mercy: Neh. ix. 17. And 
why ? Because, He cannot retain his anger ; seeing he 
can be angry at nothing but sin ; and that he removes 
when confessed : I John i. 9. Hence, 

2d. ^' Hd retaineth not his anger forever. " No, 
his an^er endureth but a little while, and his mercy en- 
dureth /b reiser ; Ps. xxx. 5: andcxxxvi. He first turns 
us to himself, and then turns himself to us, that he might 
have mercy upon us. And Avhy all this care of us ? why 
turn his anger from us, and his love toward us ? Why, 
because, 

3d. " He (lelighteth in mercy : " Isa. liv. 7, 8. It is 
impossible for ? sinner to delight more in receivin^j; mercy, 
than the God of meicy does in besto\^ing it. Fear not, 
worm Jacob, Jesus the Saviour still lives to make inter- 
cession for you; and because he lives, you shall live 
also: John xiv. 19. Though Jonah had to cry out of 
the belly of hell, hev%^as not out of the reach of mercy. 
What, then, have you to fear, seeing all your enem.ies 
have been conquered by the cross of Christ ? The foun- 
tain of mercy never was fuller than it is now ; nor the 
God of mercy more attentive to the humble sinner's 
cry. Think not that your frequent relapses into sin, 
can prevent your obtaining mercy ; lor if God does not 
pardon for i/oi/r sake, he will do it for his own sake; 
'• because he delighteth in mercy. " Only believe what 
God says ; that is faith. 



OF AN INTEREST IN THE MERCY OF GOD. 145 
"1 will have mercy on whom I will have mercy. " Rom. ix. 1-5. 

Misery is the object of mercy. Sin has made iisall 
truly miserable: Ezek. xvi. 5: and the Lord looks upon 
our case as truly pitiable: Jer. xxxi. 18 — 20. All who 
have ears to hear, let them hear what the Lord saith to 
poor, guilty, and condemned sinners. Here \\ e have a 
gracious declaration from the lip of truth. 

1st. '' I will have mercy. '^^ Though your sins may 
have been great, and many, and your backslidings foul 
and numerous, still there can be no bar in the way of 
your salvation, while the God against whom you have 
sinned remains determined to have mercy : Deut. iv. 31. 
Adniitting you have been often forgiven, and as repeat- 
edly sinned, that cannot prevent His forgiving you now : 
Job xi. 6. When we forgiv^e, we cannot forget ; but 
when God forgives, he remembers our sins no more : 
Hos. xi. 8, 9. The Lord wills to show you his good- 
ness, to proclaim his name, to bestow his grace, and 
comfort you with his mercy in Christ Jesus. Observe, 

2d. '' He will have mercy on whom he will. " Here 
is a never-failing source of comfort : a most ])ow(U-fuI 
motive to love and obedience ; that love and mercy 
which God owes to none he is willinii; to give, yea, he 
has freely given to tliee. " O, " says the poor trcMubling 
soul, '' w ere I but satisfied that I was one of those on 
whom he ivill have mercy, then would my soul rejoice ! " 
Satisfied ! Why, what more could the God of love and 
mercy say, than what he has said to satisfy you ? Wcwv 
him again. ^' I^will have mercy on whom I ivill have 
mercy. '' Will he not have mercy on all? The \rvy 
rea'-on assiL:;ned, why ^' (iod hath conchuh^d all in unbe- 
Vu'i] is, that he might have mercy upon all: Rom. xi. 
32. And the Apostle declares, that *' God our Saxiour 
will have ALL men to he saved, and come unto the 
knowledge of the truth. ■' And gives as a reason, that 
*^ Christ Jksits gave himself a ransom for all, to be 
testifi(Ml in due time : '' 1 Tim. ii. I] — G. God has 
mercy upon all, without assigning any other reason 
than '' 1 will ! '^ ''He that sjiared not iiis own Son, 
but delivered him up for us all, how sliall he not 
with him also frcely give us all things ? Rom. viii. USJi 
13* 



146 or god's help. 

*' The Lord thj God will hold thv riffht hand, saring onto thee. 
Fear doI ; I will help thee.'" Isa. sli. 13. 

Probably, the church, in Isaiah's days, had been 
pondering over her weak, helpless condition : surrounded 
\\-iih enemies. tria!=;, and difficulries : and had been lav- 
ing her case before the Lord, when he thus graciously 
commanded away her fears. What the Lord said then, 
he says now. to all who sustain the same character. 

Believer, thy way may be dark and dan;xercus ; but 
let not that distress thee ; since the '• Lord thy God '' is 
well acquainted with every step thou hast to take : and 
has promised. 

1st. To •• hoJd thy right hand : '' and, lest you should 
make a mis-step, he will order all your steps : Ps. xxxvii. 
23. The Lord does not try to quell his servants* fears 
by saving, *• I will have an eye upon thee : or I will be 
near thee ; "' no, but •• 1 iciTl hold thy right hand. '' 
He will go hand-in-hand with thee : w here thou goest 
he will £:o, and guide thee continually: Isa. hiii. 11. 
While tje Lord has hold of ycurhand. you have nothing 
to fear : for should yen stumble, he w ill keep you from 
falling : Ps. cxvi. 8. You may stagger throujih your 
own v\ eakness, but he will hold vou up : Ps. cxxxix. 10. 
And, 

2d. He will encourage thy heart, by '* saying unto 
thee. Fear not. '' That is just w hat a fond faiher 
would say to his beloved child. •* Fear not ! ycur faiher 
has fast hold of your hand ; nothing shall harm you, 
while I am with you ; and I am not going to leave 
vou ; be not alanned at anything you Liay see or hear. " 
Should all the foes you have unite as one, and come out 
against ycu, you need not fear; for they shall never be 
able to pluck you out of ycur Fathers hand : John x. 
29. Tcu are w eak : but no matter. For, 

3d. The Lord thy God declares, '• I icill help thee. '' 
His Spirit will enlighten thee : dictate aU thy requests ; 
draw up all thy petitions ; and help thee whenever thou 
needest help: Rom. viii. 26. And whenever thcu criest 
unto him, he w ill not only hear thee, but help thee : 
2 Chron. xx. 9. And w hen thou art in trouble, he will 
help thee cut of thy trouble : Ps. 1.15. Only let thy 
heart be right with God, and then depend upon him. 



OF cod's help. 147 

" If God be for us, who can be against us ? " Rom. viii. 31. 

The apostle here speaks as one amazed, and swal- 
lowed up. with the contemplation and admiration of the 
privilei^es of the people of God ; and challenges ail 
their enemies to do their worst. " If God be lor us, 
who can be against us ? " Observe, 

1 St. The ground of the challenge is, "• God bcin^ for 
us, " He is not only not against us. for that he never 
was : Rom. v. 8 : though we were formerly against him : 
Rom. viii. 7. He was never against us, but our sins : 
Rom. i. 18. And now, our sins being removed, which 
was the sole ccuse of the quarrel, we have peace \\ ith 
God throuirh our Lord Jesus Christ : Rom. vi. I : by 
whom God has reconciled us to himself: 2 Cor. v. 18, 
19. God has again taken us into covenant with him ; 
all his attributes are /or us ; yea, all that he has and is, 
is for us : Deut. xxxiii. '27. He is always for us, and 
never against us ; notwithstanding we may .sometimes be 
led to think to the contrary: Gen. xlii. 36. Observe, 

2d. The cludlenge. " Who can he against us 1 '^ 
Who cart ? Notour enemies; though they be nume- 
rous, formidable, malicious, and cmcl, still they cannot 
be against us, so as to prevail : Isa. liv. 15 — 17. " Who 
can 1 " IVot the Devil ; for let him do his worst, he 
can go no farther than the length of his chain : 1 Cor. 
X. ];]. "Who canV Not the world; for that is 
already conquered : John xvi. 33. Neither can princi- 
palities nor powers ; for they have b(M'n overcomi* and 
coinj)letely disarmed by the cross of Christ: Col. ii. 15. 
So that it mattei*s not who comes out against us, for 
God will mak(^ them fly before us : Deut. xxviii. 7. Wo 
may, ihtrcfon*, not only boldly ask, /fViocan, but What 
can be against us? "Shall tribulation, or distress, or 
persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 
Nay, in all these things w(» arc* more than concjuerors, 
throu;;h him that loved us : '* Rom. viii. 35 — .39. Only 
fear God, and you have* noibing else to fear ; for no 
matter who, nor what, surrounds you,whih»you liave God 
to help you : '2 Kin. wii. 39. A soul consecrated to 
God, should be resolute and brave in his service ; be- 
cause he is sure of His timely aid. Duty is thine, be 
careful not to neglect it. Deliverance is the Lord's. 



148 OF god's care. 

" He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. " Zech. 
ii. 8. 

The apyle of our eye, is the pupil, or small rolling 
ball : a little thing offends the eye ) and, therefore, na- 
ture has so well guarded it. Those formal professors 
who reproach strict and circumspect walking, as needless 
preciseness, consider not that God requires us to keep 
his law as the apple of our eye : Prov. vii. 2. The law 
is light ; and the law in the heart is the eye of the soul : 
Ps. cxix. 105. And be it known to all the Israel of 
God, w4io have a tender regard for his law, that he has 
a far more tender concern for them. According to our 
contracted views, it w^ould often seem as though God 
had forgotten, or allogether forsook his people. And 
the great opposition and difficulties, which they fre- 
quently meet with who have been brought out of their 
Babylonish captivity, is too apt to discourage those who 
have been left behind: Isa. xlix. 14, 15. But none 
need be discouraged, who are willing to return ; for 
Christ, our Leader, has w^rought out for, and proclaims 
deliverance to, all the captives : Luke iv. 18: and calls 
upon us to assert our rights : Isa. lii. 2. And in order 
that man might know his ov/n w^eakness, and God's care 
for his people, He compares them to the '^ ajjple of his 
eye, " Observe, 

1st. The saints, in themselves, are very weak and 
easily hurt ; and a very little thing chafes and pains 
them. Bat, 

2d. Being thus inseparably connected with God, as 
the apj)le of the eye to the body, they are infinitely dear 
to him. ' He tenderly sym.pathises with them in all their 
afflictions ; is offended with, and will resist, every injury 
done them. David, who well understood the true mean- 
ing of this expression, desired nothing more, than to be 
kept as the apple of his eye : Ps. xvii. 8. What a 
strong expression of his tender regard is this ! '' He 
that toucheth you, '' w^ith a design to hurt you, " touch- 
eth the apple of his eye. " The slightest touch of the 
eye causes pain ; and to prevent v/hich, it has a double 
guard ; but cannot be better guarded than the Lord 
guards his people : Ps. xxxiv. 7. You cannot be more 
tender of your eye, than the Lord is of you. 



OF GOD S CARE. 149 

" Casfine; all your care upon liini ; for lie carelh for vou." 1 
Pet. V. 7. ^ 

Christians should always be men of much prayer 
and litttfe care ; for why should they burden themselves 
with care who have so good a God to care foi them? 
The Lord has made it, not only tlie privilet/e, but the 
duty, of all believers to cast all their burdens or cares 
upon him : Ps. I v. 22. From these words, we learn, 

1st. That the hest of men are tco apt to burden them- 
selves with anxious and excessive care. The apostlo 
here calls it, " All your care ; " intimating, that the 
cares of the people of God are various. And experi- 
ence teaches all Christians, that they have cares of more 
sorts than one ; such as personal cares, family cares, 
business cares, cares for themselves, cares for others, 
cares for the church, present cares, future cares, imagin- 
ary cares, borrowed cares, besides a whole ho>t of nan^.e- 
less cares. 

2cl. That our cares are very burdensome, and, too 
often, very sinful ; when they arise from unbelief and 
diffidence. A load of cares wearies the body, distracts 
the mind, bears down the soul, and unfits us for iho 
otherwise delightful service of God ; hence they become 
sinful. 

3d. That the best method of 'n^ttin'r nd ol' iuimode- 
rate care, is " Casting all our care uj/nn (he Lord, '* 
A firm reliance upon the God of providence, will always 
reconcile us to the providence of God. 

'^ CiV-it all your care upon him;" and l)e sure you 
make no reserve ; let not your pn^sont trials, nor your 
future prospect"^, discourage you: Matt, x. l]i). If you 
have a family, and cannot do for them as you wcniM, do 
what you can, and leave Ciod to do the re^t : l\s. 
cxxxviii. I] — (). Depend upon it, (nxl will taki* good 
care of his eliureb ; so !<'( not that give you too much 
uneasiness: Isa. \li\. 2»L And w hat(n(»r your situat on 
in Tde might be, you cannot, as a Christian, please Christ 
better, than by ''casting all youv can* upon him." 
Prayer turns out can* ; so thai it is a sure sign, wiien 
Christians care much, that they pray little: John xiv» 
13, 1 4. When the heart is full of ///VA, there is no 
room for ear<'. 



150 GOD WILL NOT FORSAKE HIS PEOPLE. 

*' Fertile Lord will not cast off forever. " Lam. iii. 31. 

What then ? shall we sin, because of this soul-cheer- 
ing declaration? Shall we, then, live as we list ; walk 
after the imaginations and desires of our evil hearts ; and 
fulfil all the lusts of the Re-h ; because we believe God's 
gracious assurance, that " He will not cast off forever ? " 
God forbid ! Could any one who has iaith in the cov- 
enant-love, the everlasting faithfulness, the boundless 
goodness, and the immutability of the precious promises 
of the Lord, find it in his heart to say, "- Religion is a 
vain thing — it is of no use to serve God — we may as 
well let the reins go loose upon the neck of our lusts, 
and take our fill of sin ; ''for the Lord will not cast off 
forever I " No ; believer, this is not the language of 
such a faith. Faith in the love of God, works by love 
to God : Gal. v. 6 : and purifies the lieart : Acts xv. 9. 
It is the goodness of God that leadeth men to repent-. 
ance : Rom. ii. 4. The Lord loves and pities as a 
father, th-n*efore he corrects us as children : Ps. ciii. 13. 
If he makes us smart for our sins, it is that we might 
have a hatred to sin ; which is the only thing that can 
harm us. If he puts us into the furnace of afflictions, it 
is only to take away our dross, and lead us to glorify him 
in the fires: Isa. xxiv. 15. God frequently afflicts his 
people; but never casts off^ his people: Ps. xciv. 14. 
He may veil himself in a cloud, and to our disordered 
sight, it may seem as though we were cast off forever ; 
but even then, it is but for a moment ; and everlasting 
kindness succeeds a moment's absence ; Isa. liv. 7, 8. 
He never grieves us for his pleasure, but for our profit ; 
and often makes use of afflictions to deliver us from 
troubles. But while he holds the cup of affliction in one 
hand, he has the cup of consolation in the other. 

The language of every true behever, on reading such 
precious declarations of God's unlimited eternal love, is, 
^' Bless the Lord, O my soul ! " And why ? Ans. 1 st. 
^' We love him because he frst loved us : ^' 1 John iv. 
19. And his love is like himself, an " everlasting love : " 
Jer. xxxi. 3. 2d. Because " we are all the children of 
God by fahh in Christ Jesus : '^ Gal. iii. 26. 3d. " If 
children, then heirs ; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with 
Christ : " Rom. viii. 17. 



GOD WILL NOT FORSAKE HIS PEOPLE. 151 

" I will not leave you comfortless ; I will come to you. " John 
xiv. 16. 

Dark seasons are never pleasant to us, but always 
good for us; A cloudless sky could never produce a 
good harvest. But there are none hopeless, who are 
not Christless : Eph. ii. 12, 13. When intimate and 
kind friends are parting, it is common for them to make a 
request to each other, -' Pray let us hear from you shortly, 
and as frequently as you can ; " this the blessed Jesus 
engaged to his friends ; and assured them, that out of 
sight, they should not be out of mind. He saw that 
even the thought of his departure grieved them ; and 
therefore he promised them a continuance of his care. 

1st. "I will not leave you cojnfortle.'is/^ like poor, 
friendless orphans ; for though for a little while, I leave 
you without my visible and bodily presence, I do not 
leave you without comfort. Let it not grieve you ; you 
have my Father for your father; and my departure is 
neither total uov JinaL And, 

2d. As sure as I go from you, '^ I will co?nc to you. " 
1 shall not be long away ; " why hath sorrow filled your 
bearts ? " 1 will come to you speedily, L shall soon 
have conquered the king of terrors ; and the grave will 
not be able to hold me ; so that you may expect to see 
me again shortly. I will come to you, and assist you by 
my Spirit in the discharge of every duty that may de- 
volve upon you. I will come to yotf, and for you, at 
the end of time, and introduce you into the joy of your 
Lord :" John xiv. 1—3. 

You may at times, believer, be brought into a com- 
fortless condition ; but your Redeemer w ill not leave you 
comfortless : Ps. xxx. 5. The enemy will not fail to take 
advantage of your sorrowful seasons ; and may taunt- 
ingly ask, Now, wl)ero is your God ? where is your 
religion now ? and would fain |)ersua(h^ you, that the 
Lord is clean gone ; to return no nu^re : Ps. xlii. 3 — 10. 
Think not that he will over leave you finally, though he 
may withdraw seemingly ; for he will conn* to you assur- 
edly ; lie will come and not tarry : lleb. x. 37. Our dear 
rc<ltM'ming Lord loves us too well, to allow us to become 
wedded to this vile, unchaste world ; and therefore cm- 
bitters it with tribulations : John x\i. 33. 



152 OF MERCY IN CHRIST. 

*' Unto von that fear my name shall the Sum of righteousness 
aris^ witli healing in his wings ; and ye shall go forth, diid grow up 
as calves of the stall. " JMal. iv. 2 

Christ is the light of the world ; and is to us what 
the sun is to the world ; his presence turns darkness into 
day : John viii. 12. The Son of God is the Sun that 
has light in himself, and before whom darkness is made 
to fly. Observe, 

1st. The characters to whom this promise is made, 
^' Unto you that fear my name, " By the name of God, 
we understand is meant whatever He has made himself 
known unto us by : as. Himself: Ps. xxix. 2 : His titles : 
Exod. iii. 13, 14: His attiibutes, or properties : Exod. 
xxxiii. !9: His word: Ps. 5. II: His worship: 1 Kin. 
V. 5 : His will and purpose concerning our salvation: 
Ps. xxii. 22: His power and assistance: 1 Sain. xvii. 
45 : His wisdom, power, and goodness, in creation and 
providence: Ps. viii. 1 — 9: Hi^ authority: Micah. v. 4 : 
His honor and renown: Ps. Ixxvi. 1. True love to 
God cast^ out all slavish fear, or dread of him : I John 
iv. 18. But filial fear is a holy affection of soul, 
whereby it is inchned to regard God's authority, obey his 
commands, and hate whatever is sinful: Jer. xxxii. 40. 
By the fear of the Lord, is meant the whole of religion. 

2d. Jesus Christ is here called the " Sun of right* 
eousness ; '' to denote his infinite glory, excellency, 
gradual discovery to men, his being the source of all true 
light, &c. : John viii. 12. He rose upon this dark 
wor d : and is the Light of men : John i. 4. He is h'm* 
self a righteous Saviour ; brought in an everlasting 
righteousness ; and is of God made unto us righteous* 
ness : 1 Cor. i. 30. With this Sun of righteousness, the 
church is clothed : Rev. xii. 1. And, 

3d, Upon all that fear the name of God, He causes 
this Sun to '' arise with healing in his wings, " or in 
his rays, or beams, Christ came into the world, not only 
as a Light, but as a Physician also ; yea, and Medicine. 
" He healed all manner of sickness and disease amon^ 
the people : " Matt. iv. 23. And still he heals by 
wholesale and retail. 

4th. The good effect produced. They shall grow up, 
not as weeds, but, as calves well fed : Ps. xcii. 14. 



OF MF:RCY in CHRIST. 153 

*^ God so loved tJie world that ho gave his only begotten Son, 
that whosoever helicveih in liirn sl.ouldnot perish, hut have ever- 
iuiiiirighre. " John iii. 16. 

Having so niu^h more matter in these words, than 
can be crowded into so small a page, let us proceed to 
notice, 

First. The subjects of redemption — ^^ tlie world. " 
Froui the Scriptures we learn, that by the ''world''' is 
meant, 1st. The whole of the human family. For it 
was their residence that the Saviour visited : Luke i. 78, 
79 : I Tim. i. 15 : and it was their nature he assumed : 
Heb. ii, 14, 15. 2d. The human race exclusively : Heb. 
ii. IrJ, 17. None other could call him their Saviour: 
Luke ii. lOj 11 : none other ascribe their salvation to 
him: Rev. i. 5, 6. 3d. The human race without excep- 
tion : I John ii, 2: 2 Cor. v. 14, 15. 

Secondly. The necessity of redemption. All were 
in a perishing condition, 1st, As a penalty due to sin : 
Rom. v. 12. Its impurity rendered us unlit for heaven : 
Heb. xii. 14, 2d. Through guilt and condemnation. 
All wiii-e spiritually dead, and mu^t have remained so : 
Ron^* vi. 23. 3d. Through subjection to Satan. To 
his iniiuence : Eph. ii. 2: and to his dominion : 2 Tim. 
ii. 26. This rendered us averse to the service of God : 
Job xxi. 14. And 4th. Through our inability to help 
ourselves ; either by wisdom : Jer. x. 23 : power: Rom. 
V. G : or merit : Hos. xiii. 9. 

Thirdly. The means of redemption. These include, 
1st. The moving cause, of our redemption. This is the 
love of God. '' For God so loucd, " so really, so lively, 
^0 fully, so universally, loved ''the icor/d'^ — the guilty 
world: Ivoni. iii. 19: the world wlio had revolted from 
him: Isa. liii. G : th(» world whose very friendship was 
enmity with him : James iv. 4 : that even w hile wo 
were ycit sinners, he gave the strongest possible proof of 
his love to the world of sinners : Rom. v. 8. 2(1. 'I he 
procuring cause ; by which redemption is obtained lor 
us. This is the 4'/// of God's '' onlu begotten Son.'* 
Who was given to us under various characters ; as our 
Prophet to teach us : Deut. xviii, 18 : us a Priest to aiono 
and inlercedt? for us : Heb. x. 19 — 22: and as a K]n'>- 
to rule over and bless us : l*s. ii. 6. 
14 



154 OF ALL GRACE FROM CHRIST. 

*' Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I rigliteousness and 
strength. " Isa. xlv. 24. 

A WORLDLING glories in the things of the world ; but 
a Christian glories in Christ ; yea^ he glories more in 
Christ's cross, than the world^s crown : Gal. vi. 14, 
Jew and Gentile, piiblican and pharisee, outwardly pious 
and openly profane, are all upon a lerel in point of 
justification before God. There is, naturally, none 
righteous, no, not one : Rom. iii. 10, 23. Who, then;, 
can be saved ? None, by h-is own righteousness ; no^ 
not even the most moral man upon earth, if he has nothing 
better than his own morality to recommend him : Rom, 
iii. 20, 

'^ Surely, shall one say, ^' yea, and many more shall 

learn from the example to say the same ; and not onl}r 

say it, btH stick to it. Say what ? Why, " In ike Lord 

have I righteousness :'' for what Jesus my Lordh in his 

nature, and by his life, perfectly righteous, that 1 am in 

him. What I have not in myself, I have in him who 

loved me, and gave him.self for me : Titus ii. 14. The 

Lord IS righteousness in himself; righteous altogether; 

and can never act contrary to what is righteous : Psr 

cxvi. 5. And we have onr righteousness in him, who i§ 

^'THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS; Jer. 

xxiii. 6 : and if we depend upon Christ for righteousness^f 

we shall be justified by faith in him : Rom* v. 1 : our 

fahh being counted to us for righteousness : Rom. iv, 

3 — 8. It is not according to anything that we hove 

done, can, or may do : Titus iii. 5 : but by grace, through 

faith, that we are saved : Eph. ii. 8, 9. Do not cast 

away the little confidence you have i?i the Lord ; but 

rather hold fast, resist unbelief; and remember, 'that 

your faith is your victory : 1 John v. 4. It is v\ ell to 

feel our own weakness ; but better to know that in the 

Lord we have strength, '' Surely shall one say, " and 

why not you ? " In the Lord have I righteousness. '* 

Let this be your triumph against every accusation. And 

let this be your victory over every enemy, In Jesus my 

" Lord I have strength : " Phil. iv. 13. Complain no 

longer, but apply to God, through Christ, for all you 

need. Though unholy and weak in yourself, you can 

do all things, through Christ strengthening of you. 



OF ALL GRACE FROM CHRIST. 155 

** An i of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." 
John i. 16. 

Jesus Christ received gifts jor men, Ps. Ixviii. 18 : 
that lie rnii^ht ^ive gifts to men : E;)h. iv. 8. He was 
filled, that he miirht fill all in all : Eph. i. 23. " And of 
his fulness have all we received.'^'' So that we have 
nothing whereof to boast, having nothing but what we 
have received. But let us see w hat we have received. 

ist. The blessing received is grace. All the blessings 
we have receiv^ed from Christ are summed up in this 
short word, '' Graced This is what the angels declared 
to be the good will of God toward us ; Luke ii. 14 ; and 
that works the good work of God within us : Phil. ii. 13. 
As the air receives light from the fulness of the sun, so 
we receive grace from the fulness of Christ. 

2d. The manner in which we receive it ; '^ grace for 
grace,'''' And tliis bespeaks, 1st. The freencss of this 
grace. It is grace for the sake of Jesus Christ, given to 
us according to grace : Rom.xii.6. The God of grace 
being well pleased in his Son, is pleased with us in him: 
Eph. i. 6. 2d. The fulness of this grace. Grace for 
grace is a'.i abtmdanee of grace, grace upon grace, one 
grace heaped upon another ; ^^ that he mi^ht show the 
exceeding riches of his grace : " Eph. ii. 7. 3d. The 
scrviceableness of this grace. Grace for grace, is grace 
for the promotion of grace. The apostles received 
grace: Eph. iii. 8 : that llu^y might communicate it to 
otliers: 1 Pet.iv. 10, 4th. The substitution of New- 
Testament grace in the room and st( ad of Old-Testament 
grac(». The Old-Testament had grace in type, the 
New-Testament has grace in truth : John \. \1. 5th. 
The augmentation of grace. Grace for ij^race, is one 
grace, to impr()V(% strengthen, confirn), and perfect, an- 
other grace. We receive* grace that we uiigju grow in 
grace : 2 Pet. iii. 18. And, Gih. Grace for siracCy is 
grace in us, answering to the grace that is in him : as 
tiu» impnrssion n|K)n tlu* coin answers to flu* di(\ The 
grace we receive from Christ, changes us into the same 
image : 2 Cor. iii. 18. All fulness is in Jesus ; and 
every bcdiever in him receives of his fulness of grace, as 
the branedi receivi's sap from tin* fuhn^ss of tlu* root : and 
the jpitcber receives water from ihe fulness of ihe louniain. 



156 OF REDEMPTION IN CHRIST. 

" Say to tlie prisoners, Go forth ; to th-ern that are in darknes-Jy 
Show yourselves." Isa. xlix. 9. 

When Clirist was given for a covenant of the people, 
ver. 8 ; be was given for a pledge of all the blessings of 
the covenant ; it was in him that God was reconciling 
the iiwrld unto himself; 2 Cor. v. 19. He undertook 
to save his people from their sins : Matt. i. 21 : and ta 
accomplish which he had to bear their sins : 1 Pet. ii. 24 : 
and suffer for their sins : Isa. liii. 4, 5. And having 
fulfilled the law which they had broke^ he has become 
*'' the end of the Irw for righteousness to every one that 
believetb : " Rom. x. 4. He " hath redeemed us from 
the curse of the law, being made a curse for us : '' Gal. 
iii. 13. And every demand of Dirine Justice being fully 
satisfied. He has an undoubted right to ''* say to the piis- 
oners/' who were bound over to the justice of God, and 
under the power of Satan, ^' Go forth J^ Jesus Christ 
is the Mediator of the covenant ; our blessed Daysman 
who hath made peace bj the blood of his cross : Col. i» 
20, 21. And his business now is^ to free the sonls of 
men from the bondage of guilt and corroption ; and bring^ 
them into the glorious liberty of the sons of God : Luke 
iv. 18. He first looses every bond, and then saj^s to the 
prisoners, '- Go forth ; " 1 have answered all claims ; 
you are fidiy emancipared : You were deep in debt to 
the Father, but the Son has made you free :— and you 
are free indeed ; Go forth,. ^md enjoy your freedom: 
John viii. 36. '' Show yourselves ; " ycu have been long 
enough shut up '^ in daruness ; " make it known that 
YOU are fi-ee^ by gohig forth and shoicirig yourselves. 
Now ye are uo longer children of darkness ; but children 
of the light. "Go forth -^r-^ Show yourselves.''^ Let 
your light so shine before men, that they might see you 
are set at large ; and that Vv ill tend to God's gloiy and 
your good : Matt, v, 14—16. 

Go, believer, do as your dear Redeemer bids you. Dg 
not be afraid to go forth and assert your rights, because 
you still feel in-hred corruption making a desperate 
struggle ; for that is no proof tliat Christ has not m.ade 
you free, but the contrary; for it is that principle of 
grace within you that is seeking the destruction of sin : 
Rom., vii. 23. Be humble, and " Go forth:' 



OF REDEMPTION IX CHRIST. 157 

♦•Christ hafh redenincd us from the curse of the law, being made 
a curse for us." Gul. iii. 13. 

" Ye are not under the law," says the apostle, Rom. 
vi. 14 : '' but under grace ; " and well for us that it is so ! 
For were we under it, as fallen creatures, it could benefit 
us nothing, bein^ weak througli the flesh : Rom. viii. 3 : 
but it would irritate our evil propensities which it cannot 
cure : Rom. vii. 5, 8. And would follow us with its 
curses wherever we went: Gal. iii. 10. It is no wonder 
that Christ should be called Wonderful ! seeing he per- 
forms nothing less than wonders : Isa. ix. 6. It was a 
wonderful method he took lo redeem us. Having violated 
the law of God, we were brouirht under the curse of that 
law : Gal. iii. 10 : which curse is nothing less than 
wrath revealed: Rom. i. 13: and death : Rom. vi. 23. 
But " Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the 
law ;" so that we have nothing to fear on that score. 
According to God's ancient declaration, we had sold 
ourselves for naught ; and were redeemed without money : 
Isa. Iii. 3. Though Christ redeemed us williout money, 
it was not witliout price ; he " being made a curse for 
us ;" Deut. xxi. '23. " The Lord hath laid upon him the 
iniquity of us all : " Isa. liii. 6. ^' Christ bore our sins 
in his own body on the tree : " 1 Pet. ii. 24. '^ Christ 
suflln-ed the just for the unjust : " 1 Pet. iii. 18. Christ 
gave his precious blood for otir redemption : 1 Pet. i. 18, 
19. '^ We have redemption through his blood, the for- 
giveness of sins : " Eph. i. 7. 1 \(' hung u|)on the racking 
cross yor us : sweat blood, shed blood, groaned and died 
Jor us ; to fvrc us from that misiMy, which, as siimers, 
we had sank into ; and which, while* w(^ remain uncc^i- 
vcrted sinners, we are slill in : Ixoni. v. 19. Christ has 
oonipicred our fiercest foes ; and not only made a way 
through himself lo escape (he curse, but lo obtain a bles- 
sing : lleb, X. 20. IJul it is only llnough failh in iiim, 
that wc can obtain a sense of the favor of (lod ; for 
whoevcM* comes to (yhrisf s door, must be a humi)le beggar, 
and plead nothing of his own personal worth; for Christ 
serves none but |)0()r, h(4pless, and lost sinnei's : ISIatt. 
ix. 12, 13. Christ apprehends the sinner by his Spirit : 
I Cor. xii. 13 : and llui sinn(M* appreiiemis C'hrist by his 
faith: Eph . iii. 17 : and .so they become one : Phil. iii. 12, 



158 OF Christ's care oyer his church. 

" A bruised reed sh?ill he not break, and the smoking fiax shall 
he not quench/' Ka. xlii. 3. 

Such is the love of Christ to Iiis people, that wherever 
he discovers a williDgness of spirit, he passes by the 
weakness of the flesh : Mat. xxvi. 41, Those who are 
weak, even as a reed, yea, a "• bruised reed," he will net 
break them ; but pities them, and gives them no more 
work than they have strength to perform r 1 Cor. x. 13. 
You may be so oppressed with dcubts and fears, that 
you may be led to look upon yourself as the weakest of 
all God's plants, even as a reed. Well, be it so ; butj 
Observe 

1st. '• A reed '' is an emblem of weakness, and a 
" Iruised reed '' is still weaker. And such is the feeble- 
ness of all poor, broken-hearted, sinners ; who feel 
themselves pressed and bowed down beneath a load of 
guilt. But Christ will not breaJc one such biuisedreed : 
no ; he came to bind up that which \sas broken ; and to 
strengthen that which was bruised: Luke iv. 18. 

2d. He will not extiHguish the '' smoking flax,^^ 
Thcu^^h you may be like a lamp that has more snake 
than light, and that burns but dimly for the want of oil, 
he wil net put out the little light you have, en acccunt 
of the oftensiveness of the sn^.oke you emit ; but will give 
you more oil, and cause your light to burn clearly : Ps, 
xviii. '28. Were you left to yourself the reed wculd scon 
break, and the flax or lamp \\ culd soon go out ; bnt such 
is the tender regard that Jesus has for you, he will not 
©nly not break ycu, nor quench you himself, but will 
suffer no one else to do it : Isa. xl. 11. But^ 

3d. There is much more implied, than what is ex- 
pressed in this precious promise. For instead of breaking 
the reed, he will so strengthen and support it ; that it 
shall become like the tail and stately cedar: Ps. xcii. 
1:2. Do not think because you are like the smoking 
lamp, or a candle newly lighted, that your little light will 
be put out by the first puff of wind that comes, cr the 
first drop of water that falls ; for he will fan it into a 
flame : Phil. i. 6. Wherever true grace is found, more 
grace is given : James iv. 6. If you are weak in g^^ace, 
be not doubtful, but thankful ; improve the little you 
have and seek for iresh supphes : John xv. 7. 



OF Christ's care over his church. 159 

" Christ also loved t!ie church, and gave himself for it." Eph. 
T. 25. 

Notwithstanding the many failings and imperfections 
of the church, no hushand could ever love his bride so 
sincerely, purely, ardently, and constantly, as Christ does 
his church ; which he is pleased to call his wife : Rev. 
xxi. 9. Observe, 

1st. Christ's love to his church. His lov^e is a Primary 
love : 1 John iv. 19 : A Redeeming love : Titus ii. 14 : 
A Pardoning love : Isa. xl. 2 : A Justifying love : Rom. 
iii. 24 : An Adopting love : John i. 12, 13 : A Sanc- 
tifying love : 1 Cor. vi. 1 1 : A Glorifying love : Rom. 
viii. 17 : Christ not only has loved the church, but he 
continues to love her ; and he could as soon cease to 
live as cease to love. His Church is always uppermost 
on his mind ; and his love to her can never be told ; 
neither by angels nor men ; for as the Father loves the 
Son, so the Son loves the church : John xv. 9. Men 
frequently love from the mouth, outwardly ; but Christ 
loves from the heart, inwardly. His love passeth know- 
ledge ; so that, we can neither find minds to know, nor 
words to express his love : Eph. iii. 19. The world 
may love you on account of what money you may 
have in your pocket ; but will never love you for the 
grace you have in your heart : John xv. 19! Christ 
loves you the same in poverty as in riches ; the same in 
rags as in silks ; in a dungeon as in a palace. The 
world may cry, '^ Ilosanna ! " to-day, and " Crucify 
him ! " to-morrow. JJut that is not the way that Christ 
lovers ; for ha\ing loved his own, he continuc^s to love 
them : .lohn xiii. I . 

2d. The proof of his love : '^ He gave hinncljftr 
it : '' Tilus ii 11. Greater love hath no man than this. 
What could he give more than hims(*lf ? He submitted 
to be made a curses for us, that he might redeiMu us from 
the curse of the law : Gal. iii. 13. And tiiis lie did, 
" that the Messing of Abraham might come on the (irntiles 
through iiim : " that all believers, whether Jews or 
Gentiles, might become heirs of Abraham's biessin*];. Ho 
was rich in |)oweran(l glory ; yet, for ihesake of emicliinj 
poor sinners, he became poor : 2 ( 'or. viii. 9. He discharg- 
ed our debts, bur^-t our bunds, and united us to himself. 



160 OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

" Behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, T will make known 
my words unto you." Prov. i 23. 

True grace is necessaiy to a true conversion ; and 
whoever seeks it honestly, and submits to it willinorlv, 
shall find it assuredly : Lukexi. 9. 10. Set yourself to 
do what you can, and God will do all you need : and 
will help you to do that, which, without his grace, you 
could not do : Phil. ii. 13. Think not that your hand 
is so withered you cannot stretch it forth ; all you have 
to do. is. to make the effort in obedience to the command 
of Christ ; and he who gives the word will give the 
powefj in the attempt : Matt. xii. 13. The Author of 
this grace is the Holy Spirit; and here you have it prom- 
ised, not sparingly, but plentifully. For the Lord will 
not only give a few drops, but '^ will pour out his Spirit 
unto you,^^ as freely as water runs from the fountain ; 
and shall be in you, ever living and ever flowing : John 
vii. 3?. You may have heard much, and have under- 
stood but Httle of God's word : but for your encourage- 
ment it is promised, that you shall not only hear his 
words, but Tt'noic them. *■ I will.*' says He. '• jnaJce 
Jcnown my words unto you : *' so that it shall become 
your delight to keep them : Ps. i. •2. 1 ou have nothing 
to fear from any quarter, while you have the Spirit of 
God to gaiide you ; and the word of God to rale you. 
The more you have of the Spirit of God, the more you 
wDl know of the w ords of God ; and the less you will 
have of the spirit of the world : 1 John ii. 16, 17. 

All who are the sons of God, are led by the Spirit of 
God . Rom. viii. 14 : and all who are Christ's followers, 
hear Christ's words, and know them to be his : John x. 
•27 : and obey and treasure them up in their hearts : 
John XV. 7. Doubt no longer of God's willingness to 
give ; for he here, twice declares, '"'J iriJL'' Hath be 
said it, and shall he not do it ? He tvill give you freely, 
and plentifully of his Spirit, to guide, direct, comfort, and 
sanctify you ; and will give you a heart to understand 
his words : Ps. cvii. 43. 

It is by the Spirit given unto us, that we are enabled 
to cleave unto Jesus in heart and affection, as our only 
hope, and walk wortliv the vocation wherewith we are 
called : Eph, iv. 1. You have only to ask and have. 



OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 161 

" We have not received tfie spirit of the world, hut the spirit 
wliifli is of G«nl ; tliat we rui^lit know tli(i tlii-igs that are freely 
given to us of God." ] Cor. ii. 12. 

Men unsanctified receive not tlie things of God ; their 
minds are prejudiced against them, so that they appear 
foolishness unto them : ver. 14. No man can know or 
believe them to salvation, till the mind has been enlight- 
ened by the Spirit of God. The wisest men of this world 
are but fools in God's account : 1 Cor. iii. 19. And as 
the mind of man dwells in himself, and cannot be known 
by another, until he makes it known, so the Spirit of God 
is in God, and we know nothing of the mind of God, till 
it is revealed. " We have not receiv^ed the spiiit of the 
world," whicli could be of no assistance to us, " but the 
Spirit which in of God,^' th;U knows the things of God, 
it being one with God : Ezek xxxvi. 27. 

We have received the Spirit of God, '^ that we might 
Tcnow the things that are freely ^ivcn to its of God." 
We can neither know them, nor savingly believe them 
till they are made known unto u^, by his Spirit revealing 
them unto us : John xiv. 16, 17. Gospel privile^xe^ are 
great privilcg 's, that are '-freely <^'iveif to us of Go^iy 
Notwithstanding they are freely given \.\>. and the revela- 
tion of this gift is made to us, they c'ould not benefit us, 
without the Sj)irit showing us, not only what God is, but 
also, what the things of God are, Jo'ni xvi. 13, that he 
has done for us, wrought in us, and given to us. What- 
ever a man may |)ossess beside, if he pos-ess not the 
Spirit of Christ, he is none of his : Rom. viii. 9. The 
Spirit of God is a living Spiiit, an enlivening Spirit, a 
leading Spirit, a sealing Spirit ; and, tl.e/eforc, all w ho 
have his Spirit |)ray in the Spirit, and with the Spirit, 
and by the Spirit, and for more of the Spirit : Luke xi. 
13. All who believe^ receive constant supplies : and 
hav(i the Spiiit of (iod dwcliing in them : '2 Tim. i. I I. 
Poor drooping bdicvi'r, thou fcclcst thy sins and c()iru|)- 
tions, and ait ready to conclude that thou hast neither 
part no.- lol in the matter. What ! beru^ve the TurTii, 
and not be sanetilied by the Spirit ! imposviible ! As 
sun^ as thou art a Ix^liever in Jksits, his Spirit hath sane- 
tili'-d thee through faith. Sin not ; and frar not. Ask 
and have. Run and win. Fight and contpier. 



162 OF THE spirit's HELP IN PRAYER. 

" Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble : thou wilt 
prepare their h^art, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear." Ps. x. 17. 

Never did the Lord say to a humble penitent soul, 
'' Seek my face in vain : " Isa. xlv. 19. And what he 
was, that he now is, and ever wdll be ; hence, everyone 
has encouragement to pray. Consider, 

1st. The Lord " has heard the desire of the humble t'' 
and his ear is still open to their cry : Ps. xxxiv. 15. 
The Lord prepares the hearts of his people, by fii^t 
giving them to see and feel their need ; and by giving 
them a holy desire after the very blessings that he designs 
to trive them: Prov. xvi. 1. He g-ives and streno^thens 
their faith ; Eph. ii. 8 ; fixes their thoughts on the 
desired blessing, raises their affections, and graciously 
accepts of their prayers ; which serves to strengthen 
their confidence, and enables them to say, " Lord thou 
ha-t heard,^^ not only the well-formed prayer, but, the 
desire of the humble : " Ps. ix. 1*2. 

The Lord will hear : MicaM vii. 7. ^- Thou wilt 
prepare their heart ; " so that no one can excuse thera- 
selv^es from praying, on account of the badness of their 
heart. If you are sensible of the plague of your heart., go 
to the Lord who alone can prepare the heart. And this 
he does through his Spirit enabling them to mortify its 
vaiious lusts, and bringing it into a humble holy frame, 
and longing after God in Christ Jesus : 1 Sam. vii. 3 : 
Rom. viii. 13. And having prepared the heart for the 
mercy needed and prayed for, He will, 

3d. '^ Cause his ear to hear '^ the prayer offered unto 
him. It is impossible for God to be unmindful of his 
people's condition. He is always ready to hear and 
regard their cry ; and deliv^er them from all their enemies 
and afflictions : Ps. xxxiv. 17. 

Let your case be what it may, you have only to make 
it known to the Lord : Phil. iv. 6. Do not say, -' I am 
so weak and iy:norant, so vile and ungrateful, that I can^ 
not pray ; " for that is the very reason why you should 
pray. And if, at any time, your heart is too full to form 
words, look at a throne of grace, and the Lord will hear 
the desire : Ps. xxxvii. 4. If you lack wisdom ask it ; 
and rest assured, that you can need nothing that God is 
pot willing to give : Phil. iv. 19. 



OF THE SPIRIT S HELP IN PRAYER. 163 

"Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, 
Father." Rom. viii. 15. 

This is the peculiar glory of gospel-f^race, sinners 
beconne the sons of God ; and have the joyful knowledge 
of it here upon earth : 1 John iii. 1, 2. Observe, 

1st. Every believer in Clirist is a son, or child of 
God : John i. 12 : and as such, each one has the witness 
in himsilf : Rom. viii. 16 : and has the broad seal of 
heaven put upon him : 2 Cor. i. 22. What have you 
to fear from the \\orld, if you are a heaven-born child ? 

2d. " Ye have received the Spirit,^^ not of bondage; 
no ; the Spirit of God never was, nor ever can be the 
spirit of bondage to any soul ; it is contrary to his nature ; 
he is a Spirit of liberty ; that takes the things of Christ 
and shows them unto us : John xvi. 14. He convinces 
of sin, breaks the yoke of sin and the law, of death and 
Satan ; that the soul might become united to Christ by 
faith. We receive the "^Spirit of Adopiton " by the 
faith of Jesus ; we see God's righteous law fulfilled by 
his perfect obedience : Rom. v. 19. Through this 
righteousness, the Spirit brings peace to our troubled 
consciences, and frees us from all our guilty fears: Rom. 
V. 1. God has no still-born children ; and his children, 
like our'^, soon give signs of life by their cries. 

3d. The Spirit gives us u cry ; and becomes a Spirit 
of grace and supplication to us : Eph. vi. 18. Do not 
plead your ignorance any longer ; for *' ye have received 
the Spirit of adoption ; " and that Spirit w ill teach you 
what to say, and how to say it. 

4th. '^ Whereby we cry, Ahha, Father,'' VMiat a 
precious cry ! none but a regenerate soul could ever utter 
such a cry : Rom. viii. 2(5. You may have many ene- 
mies standing between you and a throne of grace, who 
will do all they can to prevent your ;ipj)roach : but you 
have one Friend stronger than all, \\ ho willlrad vou 
through them all : lleb. ii. 10. IXever listtMi to unbelief, 
or you may be reasoncMl out of your evidence of your 
adoption. When children cannot speak they can cn/y 
and thus (^xpress thrir wants ; and so may you **' cri/y 
Ahha^ Father ! '' that is. Father, l^'ather ; and if you can 
say no more, that will be rhetoric enough ; Father will 
know what it means. 



164 OF THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS* 

" The angel of ihe Lord enrampeth round about them that fear 
him, and deliveretfi them." Ps, xxxiv. 7. 

Jacob loved his little Benjamin as dearly as any of his 
full-grown brethren. So the feeblest follower of Jesus, 
though ever so weak in faith and understanding, is equally 
dear to the Father as the strongest believer, and heir to 
the same inheritance. And the Lord has left nothing 
undone that could be done, to make those truly blessed 
who trust in him. And as every believer in Jesus is born 
of a royal line: John i. 13: so their heavenly Father 
honors them as such : for as a life-guard would encamp 
around a prince to protect his royal person, so '' tlie angel 
of theliOrd encampeth round about them that fear him.'' 
It is said, '^ ihe c/ngel,^^ though, perhaps, there are a full 
guard of angels, who are as unanimous in protecting the 
saints as though there were but one. Observe, 

1st. God makes use of ^ood sj)ir its to protect his chil- 
dren from the malice of evil spirits. Jacob was guarded 
by a host of them : Gen. xxxii* 1,2: and so is every child 
of God as really, though not as sensibly : Luke xv. 10. 
We are not sensible of half the blessings conferred upon us. 

2d. They do not merely come to see them, but -^ en- 
camp around them ; " so that they are in constant attend- 
ance, always ready to serve them : Heb. i. 14. The 
enemy may throw his darts about them ; but can never 
harm them, while in the centre of so good a camp : Isa. 
xli. 11. Angels are their servants, and are '' sent forth to 
minister for them ; " to serve them in every possible way ; 
to oppose all that opposes them ; to fight all their battles ; 
to guard them while in the field ; and escort them home 
when their warfare is accomplished : Luke xvi. 22. It 
matters not v/hoj nor how many, are against them. For, 

3d. He '' delivereth them ; '' and as no part is left 
unguarded, and as their friends are so much mightier than 
their foes, they have nothing to dread from any quarter, 
while they ^^ fear Him^^ whose Angel guards them : 2 
2 Kin. vi. 16, 17. All who live holy may depend upon 
being kept safely. Jesus makes all his members safe and 
comfortable : — their Guard never sleeps on his post : 
Ps. cxxi. 3, 4. Let us who have such holy guards, be 
careful to live holy lives : Heb. xiii. 1. 



OF THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS. 165 

** Are tliey not all ministering spirits, sont forth to minister for 
Ihetn who sliail be lieirs of salvation ? " Heb. i. 14. 

Although the angels are beings far superior to us in 
nature and capacity, and have constant employment in 
the upper world, still it is evident, that, in obedience to 
their Maker's command, they visit our lower world on 
messages of mercy to us. Observe, 

1st. That though the angels are spirits, and not bod- 
ies, they are '' ministej-ing spirits,''^ whose office it is to 
attend upon others. They attend upon God's throne, 
and are always ready to obey his commands : Ps» civ. 4. 
God's will is their law, 

2d. They are '"■ sent forth " by him to whom they 
belong, not as idle spectators, but to wait upon the chil- 
dren of God ; who are all '' heirs of salvation : " Rom. 
viii. 17. Angels are their servants, "sent forth to min- 
ister Jor them ; " to instruct, guard, direct, protect, com- 
fort, provide for, and deliver them. Thousands attended 
the LoRH at the giving of the law: Ps. Iviii. 17 : Heb. 
ii. 2. Two of them appeared to Abraham in his tent: 
and the same two lodged w ith Lot ; warned him of his 
danger, protected and delivered him : Gen. xviii. and 
xix. One supported Elijah in the wilderness of Judah : 
1 Kin. xix. 4 — 8. An angel in one night cut off 1 85.000 
of Senacherib's army, and delivered Jerusalem from 
his cruel rage: Isa. xxxvii. .36. Angels frequently 
conv^ersed witli Daniel, Zecheriah, and the Apostle John. 
An angel warned Joseph and INIary to flee, and return, 
with the infant Jesus. An angel liberated Peter from 
prison : Acts v. 19. An angel delivered the apostles at 
Jerusalem ; and sojnetimes one is represented as acting 
on multitudes, while at others, multitudes are re|)rescnted 
as protecting one. W(» know no more than God has 
rev";iled. But certain it is, that a saint in talleis is moro 
highly honored than a sinner in robes. 

Strive in all things to pleas(» God, and ihni, rest as- 
sured, that (iod will, with all things needful, serve you: 
Ps. Ixxxiv. 1 I. Keep in the ways of God, and you 
may always find comfort in the promises of (iod : liom. 
XV. 4. Christ has done much to make all men his 
friends, although he has many enemies ; and you can- 
not expect it to go better with you than it did with him* 
15 



166 THAT WE SHALL BE KINGS 

"And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy- 
nation." Exod. xix. 6. 

Rt^joice, poor trembling believer, in God thy Saviour ; 
aud listen to the endearing and honorable titles which he 
has put upon his people. Every one who is born of 
God is heir to a crown ; and when thev become of ao-e 
they shall wear it : but we must be born in the kingdom 
of grace, before we can be crowned in the kingdom of 
glory : John iii. 3. And all who have the kingdom of 
God within them, shall assuredly dwell in the kingdom 
of God : John x. 28. Although it is possible, that they 
may be so poor aud disguised, as to have to beg their 
way through this world, it will be manifest in the other 
world, they were '^ unto God a Jcingdom of priestsJ^ 
The kingdom of the saints may truly be said to be a 
^' kingdom of priests," inasmuch as every one is engaged 
in oifering sacrifices to God ; and he is so well '))leased 
with them on his Son's account, that every sacrifice they 
offer through him, is accepted of him : Heb. xiii. 5. 

The saints, v/hile here, are like a few straggling out- 
casts ; but unto God they are a '^ kingdom ; *' and when 
all shall be brought heme, they will appear a very large 
kingdom : Rev. vii. 9, 10. In this rough, uneven world, 
the child of God fnay stumble, yea, fall, and wound his 
soul, bruise his spirit, and cause dejection of mind. Satan 
may sadly daub him, and then endeavor to persuade 
liim, that he is in such a filthy condition, that his Father 
doth not know him, and will never again own him. This 
is a deplorable condition, and should be carefully guarded 
against ; but let it be remembered, that the Lord will 
never wholly cast off his people : nor forsake his inheri- 
tance : Ps. xciv. 14. But notv/ithstanding the faults, 
failings, and imperfections of the saints, in a comparitive 
sense, they are a '• holy nation ; " for, though they 
have much of their natural corruption haiTging about 
them, they are God's peculiar people : Titus ii. 14: "a 
chosen 'generation ; a royal priesthood : '' 1 Pet. ii. 9 ; 
and, through . Christ, they are all made '^ kings and 
priests unto God : " Rev. i. 6. We are not righteous in 
and of ourselves ; but Christ of God is miade unto us 
righteousness : 1 Cor. i. 30. Wicked worldlings and 
formal professors, despise those most whom God loves best.- 



AND PRIESTS UNTO GOD. 167 

** And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father.'* 
Rev. J. 6. 

Every sinner who loves Christ, believes the love of 
Christ to sinners. Christ purifies us by his blood : 1 
John i. 7 ; and dignifies us by his power. '' He hath, 

1st. ^^Made us kings'' to rule over sin, the world, 
Satan, and death. All real beUevers are iHngs, made 
such by the King of kings ; but not earthly monarchs. 
They reign, in a spiritual sense, over all their unnily 
passions and appetites, lusts and corruptions ; and even 
the king of terrors is no longer a terror to them ; in con- 
sequence of their knowing that his sting is extracted and 
victory sure : 1 Cor. xv. 55 — 57« An earthly monarch 
may have many rebellious, treacherous subjects who 
envy him, and would dethrone him ; notwithstanding he 
may keep his throne ; so do you over all rebel lusts and 
traitorous dispositions ; for you reign by Christ's power, 
who is King over you : Rev. xix- \6. Christ hates all 
sin, but loves ail sinners. 

2d. " Priests unto GodJ'^ Under the law, the 
priests offered gifts and sacrifices according to the law ; 
tmder the gospel, we are a lioly priesthood, to offer up 
spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ : 
1 Pet. ii. 5. The saints are priests who consecrate 
their bodies unto God ; Rom. xii. I : and are continually 
offering up sacrifices of prayer, praise, supplication, 
and thanksgiving " tm?o Gorf;" all of which God is 
well pleased to accept through bis beloved Son : John 
xiv. 6. Christ has taught all men to honor the Son, 
even as they honor the Father : John v. 23 .: and here, 
the same honor, glory, dominion, and power is ascribed 
to Jesus Christy as to God. Our bodies and souls, time 
and talents, prayers and praises, must be all offered up 
^^ unto God ; " for as Christ our high-priest has offered 
up himself unto God for us, so we must offer ourselves 
to God by him. 

Live up to your privilege as 3. king, and never be- 
come a slave ; and, as a priest, let all your sacrifices be 
offered unto God, whose priest you are. Never sacri- 
fice to heathen idols ; but when lusts present, and Satan 
tempts, remember, Christ hath made you a king to reigo 
over ihem and a priest to sacrifice them. 



168 OF PEACE OF CONSCIENCE. 

" The work of the righteous shall be peace ; and the eflfnrt of 
righteousness, quietness and assurance forever," Isa. xxxii. 17. 

Salvation is all of free-grace, and free-gift by Jesus 
Christ. Our life of faith, of hope, of love, of holiness, 
centres in, and is froai Jesus. Observe, 

1st. " The worJc of ?igkteousness shall be peace ; '^ 
even in the doing of our duty we shall always find an 
abundance of true pleasure; a present reward o/* obedi- 
ence in the very act of obedience : Ps. xix. 11. As the 
law of Christ brings in a law to govern us, so the gospel 
of Christ brings a righteousness to ?ave us ; and these 
two, by the Spirit, being made to dwell together, they 
remain as an everlasting righteousness. It is true, the 
work of righteousness may be sometimes hard and costly, 
and may expose us to much persecution and contempt, 
yet, it is peace; yea, and such peace too, as makes us 
ample amends : Ps. cxix. 165. True hohness produces 
real happiness. 

2d. '^ The effect of righteousness shall be quietness and 
assurance,^^ The effect of sin, is uneas'ness and death. 
And as sin invariably produces wretchedness, Isa. Ivii. 
21, 22, so holiness or rig;hteousness, produces quietness 
within and without. The effect of righteousness must 
be happiness; and the one being perfect, must make the 
other complete. The righteous are said to be bold as 
lions ; while the wicked are frightened at their own 
shadow: Prov. xxviii. 1. If you are careful to obey 
God, you are sure to be happy in God ; and of this, all 
who do the work of righteousness, have an '^ assurance 
forever,^^ While you live right, nothing goes wrong : 
Rom. viii. 28. A soul at peace with God cannot be 
greatly disturbed by the v> orld ; for it has all its pleasures 
in God, and all its blessings /rom God : Rom. viii. 1. 

While you have peace within, all must be well with- 
out. Peace here, brings an assurance of peace hereafter. 
Keep the Saviour in your eye, retain him in your heart, 
and as he is your first hope, so let him be your last stay. 
Never take your eye of faith off Christ's righteousness; 
it was his holy life and bitter death, procured a right- 
eousness for you : in which you may stand with assuranc 
before a holy God. Keep up a constant war with 
sin; and that will secure peace of conscience. 



OT PEACE OF CONSCIENCE. 169 

**^Tliy faith hath saved thee, go in peace." Luke vii. 50. 

Conscience is the secret testimony of the soul, where- 
by it approves that which is good, and condemns that 
which is evil. A good conscience is purified by the 
blood of Christ: 1 Tim. i. 5. An evil conscience is 
loaded with guilt : Heb. x. 22. A hardened or seared 
conscience, is one that feels not the evils of sin : 1 Tim. 
iv. 2. Conscience has a rule of action ; it compares 
action with that rule ; and draws inferences from the 
comparison ; it gives its approbation to what it thinks 
good, and reproaches itself with what it considers evil. 
Whoever applies to Christ, in his appointed way is sure 
to be saved by him: Heb. vii. 25. Every humble be- 
lieving applicant, no matter how vile, is sure to meet 
wit% a generous dismissal. Our love to God should 
always be in proportion to the love we receive /rom God. 
If you love God, that is a proof God loves you : 1 John 
iv. 19: and though the enemy of your soul would lead 
you into clouds and darkness at the remembrance of 
your past sins, the Saviour declares, " thy faith hath 
saved thee^ It should, therefore, give you no concern, 
who condemns you, so long as Christ acquits you : John 
viii. 10, II.: for surely you cannot doubt his word, 
when he commands you to, '' Go in peace, ^^ What 
more can you desire to make your soul happy ? here is 
pardon, safety, faith, and peace ; and all for taking 
Christ at his word. Pardon is the ground of your safety : 
Isa. xl. 1, 2. Faith is the foundation of your peace : 
Rom. V. 1. Peace is the fruit of your faith ; and salva- 
tion the issue of your pardon. What if your sins were 
great, Christ's pardoning grace was greater ; and there- 
fore, your joy and peace should be great : Luke vii. 47. 
All the uneasiness you have felt on account of sinning 
against God, and all the love you have felt, and still feel, 
to the Saviour, are the productions of faith ; and you 
cannot honor God more, in any v\^ay than by believing on 
his Son : John iii. 16 — 18. And though thou hast 
little faith, he now says, '' Thy faith Iiath saved thee , 
go in peace. '^ To have a peaceful conscience, three 
things are necessary : First, a good rule of conduct ; 
secondly, an impartial comparison of our conduce with 
that rile ; third'y, a conviction we have conformed to it. 
15=^ 



170 OF COMFORT. 

"The Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy 
upon his afflicted." Isa. i^lix. 13. 

Blessed be God for Jesus Christ ; the perfectly fin- 
ished and everlastingly glorious v/ork of Christ's redemp- 
tion ! However the faithful followers of God may be 
despised by the world, they are the greatest blessings to^ 
and ornaments of the world : Matt. v. 13, 14. Observe, 

1st. " The Lord hath,^^ in every age of the world, 
^' comforted his people ; " and though many have thought 
in the time of their distresses, that God had assuredly 
forgotten them, he always made it appear, that such was 
not the case : ver. 14, 15. Is sin your trouble? Do 
you want deliverance ? Is your soul troubled for want 
of peace ? Are you distressed through manifold trials 
and temptations ? Is the sun of com. fort set ? Do the 
moon and stars withhold their light ? Be not faithless, 
but believing ; away with your doubts and distrust ! in- 
dulge those enemies to all comfort no longer; for ''the 
Lord hath comforted his people," and will do it again : 
Ps. xxxvi. 8, 9. Give your fears to the winds, for God's 
regard is as tender for you now^, as it ever was. Talk 
no more about your short-comings, and wanderings from 
him ; for he has not hitherto rewarded you according to 
your deservings : Titus iii, 5 : neither will he now. 
For 

2d. '^ He will have mercy upon his ajlicted,^^ He 
may for a moment have veiled himself with a cloud ; but 
with everlasting kindness will he have mercy on thee : 
Isa. liv. 8. Your being afflicted is a sufficient reason 
why you should trust in him : for he will restore comfort : 
Isa. Ivii. 18. Your suspicions are all groundless ; '' he 
will have mercy upon his afflicted," and you are one of 
those ; therefore, let all your sighs and groans burst forth 
into songs of praise : Isa. xii, 1. Nature may change ; 
but God, in whom you trust, can know no change : Heb. 
i. 10 — 12. Indulge your fears no longer; reason not 
with corrupt nature ; nor with blind unbelief ; '' the 
Lord has comforted you ; " and he is not grown weary 
of hearing your complaints ; but will comfort you now. 
^^ He will have mercy upon his afflicted ; " and turn 
your mourning into joy : Jer. xxxi. i 1, 12. Why should 
ihey walk in darkness, whose Father is light ? 



OF COMFORT. 171 

" Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able 
to comfort them which are in any tro-'ble by the comfort where- 
with we ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Cor. i. 4. 

Merc^ dwells in God, and we obtain mercy from 
God ; for though he is just, he delights in mercy : Micah 
vii. 18: hence, he is called, the ^'Father of mercies." 
Consider, 

1st. The benefits we receive from God ; ^^ Who com- 
forteth us in all our tribulation^ We have no real 
comfort but what comes from God; and all our best 
comforts are in God : James i. 17» It must be acknow- 
ledged, that in the world we have tribulation ; but it is 
equally true, that in Jesus we have peace : John xvi. 33. 
And though our sufferings abound, our consolations also 
abound : 2 Cor. i. 5. We are never left to struo;de 
through our troubles alone ; for we have a '' God of all 
comfort " nigh at hand ; '^ who comforteth us in all our 
tribulation." He does not comfort us in one alone, and 
then leave us comfortless in the others ; but comforteth 
us in themaZZ; John xiv. 18. We have only to live 
to, and trust in God, and then we may depend upon 
having comfort from God : Ps. xxxiii. 21. None can 
feel the distresses of others, so much as them that have 
experienced distress themselves. 

2d. God's intent in comforting us ; " That we may 
he able to comfort them ivhich are in any trouble ; " by 
tellincr them of the mercv and ooodness of God, as ex- 
perienced by us, in our tribulations, pressures, and afflic- 
tions : Ps. Ixvi. 16. So that it is evident, whenever we 
receive good, God designs that we should do good with 
the good received ; and encourage others to hope in him, 
^' by the comfort wherewith we ourselves, are comforted^ 
None are so fit to comfort a suffering saint, as those who 
have been comforted themselves ^' of God : '' Heb. vi. 
18, 19. 

Learn, 1st. Never to live upon, nor measure God's 
love to you, by your poor changeable frames and feel- 
ings. But, 2d. Look to, live upon, and glory in Christ ; 
for God so views and loves you. 3d. Strive to become 
more like God, possess the mind of Christ, live by faith 
upon him, and take comfort in him. Always bless God 
for a comfortable frame and lively feeli.igs. 



172 OF HOPE. 

" The Lord will be the hope of his people." Joel iii. 16. 

O THOU of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt ? 
Matt. xiv. 31. Why not exercise the little faith you 
have ? your doubts arise from your unbelief. You can 
easily believe, that the Lord is displeased at your sins ; 
and what is sin, but disobeying his commands ? Have 
you never considered it a great sin not to believe when 
he commands ? But your excuse is, ^' I am so weak 
in myself." Who is not ? Even the great, the inspired, 
apostle acknowledges himself to be weak : 2 Cor. xi. 29. 
The church of God is made up of believers, and they 
are called, the family of God : Eph. iii. 15 : and as 
such, of course, are " his peojjie ; " they being in cove- 
nant and communion with him : 2 Tim. i. 9. It is nothing 
new for the Lord to be the '' hope of his people ; " for 
he always was, both the Founder and the Foundation of 
their hope. You may have a rough voyage through life, 
but you have nothing to fear while you keep Unbelief 
under hatches, Faith on deck, and Christ at the helxn of 
your little bark : Isa. xli. 10. The Lord will be your 
Harbor, and you will never have a night so dark but you 
may with safety run into him ; and there you can 
securely lie till the storm is past : Prov. xviii. 10. Com- 
plain no longer of your weakness, for the Lord is your 
strength : Ps. cxliv. 1 , 2. Do not so much as name 
your unworthiness ; for the Lord is your righteousness : 
Jer. xxiii. 6. And as for your enemies and dangers, 
they can never harm you ; for God is your refuge : Ps. 
xlvi. 1. It is worse than useless to complain and reason 
with unbelief; for it matters not wh?t you may be called 
to pass through, nor have to contend with, '^ the Lord 
will be the hope^of his people." Let not the greatness 
of the storm intimidate you ; but rest assured, that a soul 
fraught with grace and bound for heaven, can never be- 
come a wreck : John x. 28. You may, and will, have 
your fears of sinking, as is very natural for one on their 
first voyage; but then, they are ail groundless ; for you 
will ultimately be brought safe into Port, and put on 
shore on the l:*anks of Deliverar.ce. Take courage, hope 
in the Lord, and he will help you. While you look at 
the roughness of the sea, remember ^who is at the helm. 
You are homeward-bound, and will soon be ashore. 



OF HOPE. 173 

" Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and 
steadfast." Heb. vi. 19. 

Christian Hope is a confident persuasion of obtaining 
those good things which God has promised, both for time 
and eternity ; founded on h:s unchangeable truth, the 
merits and grace of Christ, and the earnest of the Holy- 
Spirit. This hope is easily distinguished from all worldly- 
hopes, 1st. By the excellency of its object : Col. i. 27, 
2d. By the stability of its foundation: 2 Tim. i. 12, 
And 3d. By its cleansing nature : 1 John iii. 3. 

Every one who is born of God is bound for Heaven ; 
and, like a ship on the sea, must expect to meet with 
storms and tossings, both up and down ; and be in constant 
danger. Our souls are vessels built by God, and are 
designed to go but one voyage across the sea of life : and 
it should, therefore, be our chief concern to make that a 
profitable one : Pro v. xiv. 32. The graces, comforts, 
happiness, and expectations of our souls, are the invalua- 
ble cargo with which those vessels are laden : Heaven 
is the port we are sailing to ; afflictions, temptations, 
persecutions, fears and distresses, may fitly be compared 
to the stormy winds and waves, because of their violence, 
and so often threatening to make us a wreck : Ps. Ixix. 
1, 2. Bat it should ever b^ remembered, that we are 
not sent to sea without '' an anchor ; '* for the hope of 
the gospel is the believer's anchor : and '' which hope 
we have as an anchor of the souiy What a blessed 
hope is ours ! it serves as an anchor at sea, and a helmet 
in battle : 1 Thes. v. 8. It is an anchor that miglit safely 
be relied upon, as being sufficiently strong to hold our 
vessel in the heaviest of gales and storms ; for it is '' sure 
and steadfast y It is not like the hypocrite's anchor, 
made of sand ; but is strong and substantially made of 
good-hope-through-grace. Our anchorage is also good ; 
for our anchor has taken fast hold in the Rock, Christ, and 
therefore must be steadfast. Let the winds roar, and 
the howling tempest drive through your masts and rigging, 
you will outride the storm. Fear not ! hope is your 
anchor — Christ is your Anchor-hold, — Jesus is your 
Pilot — your vessel and cargo are fully insured — and 
your Sailing-Master has engaged to conduct you safely 
into port. 



174 OF DELIGHT AND JOY IN GOD. 

" Then shalt thou liave thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt 
lift up thy face unto God." Job xxii. 26. 

Religion in every situation, will make men comfit- 
able ; but the want of it is sure to make them miserable. 
The worldling delights in its vanities, and tlie miser in 
his wealth ; but the Christian delights in his God: Ps. 
xl. 8. The only way to become truly rich, is to become 
truly poor : Matt. v. 3. And if you would obtain your 
heart's desire, make God your heart's delight ; Ps. xxxvii. 
4. Endeavor to cultivate a more intimate acquaintance 
with God ; for it is,not only your duty, but, your interest,to 
join yourself to him in a covenant of friendship : Job xxii. 
21. Keep up a constant correspondence with him in 
the way he has appointed: '' then shalt thou have thy 
delight in the Almighty. ^^ You shall, not only have 
your '^ delight in him, but also, your delight from him ; 
if you do but trust in him: Ps. xxxiii. 21. Only live 
right in the slight of God, and you will not have cause to 
hang down your head with shame, like a criminal ; but 
thou '' shalt lift up thy face toward God^^ and fear no 
evil. Why are you cast down ? Do men frown, and 
turn their backs upon you ? Let not that trouble you ; 
be not afraid, ^' lift up thy face toward God ; " no longer 
hold down your head as though you were ashamed to 
look up ; but look cheerfully, and approach him boldly, 
in, and through his Son ; and turn your face toward him, 
as though you had confidence in him : Ps. Ixviii. 3 : Heb. 
X. 19. The oftener you look the Almighty in the face, 
the better you will become acquainted with him ; the more 
confidence, delight and joy, you will have in him *, and 
the more welcome you will be to lift up your face unto 
him ; and pour out your heart before him : John xvi. 22. 

Let faith lead you to God, through Christ ; leave all 
your works behind you ; rely on his gracious promises, 
plead his rich mercy in Christ to poor sinners, and thus 
beseech him to be propitious unto you. Plead the full 
atonement and righteousness of Jesus ; *' lift up your 
face " to the Almighty ; five near to God in love ; walk 
before him in holiness ; and feast upon his goodness. 
You will have sufficient in the world, to make you sor^^ 
rowful ; and may find plenty in God to make you joyful ; 
John xvi. 33. Praise God for his goodness. 



OF DELIGHT AND JOY IN GOD. 175 

" I will see you again, an^l your heart shall rejoice, and your joy 
no man taketh from you." Jolin xvi. 22. 

Nothing can make a believer in Jesus so joyful as a 
sense of his presence ; and nothing can make him so 
sorrowful as his absence ; if he hide his face but a little 
while, it causes great sorrow ; although their tears are 
not lost, nor their sighs forgotten : Ps. xxx. 5. 1 1. The 
Saviour urged his way through his own sufferings, and 
bore our griefs, for the joy that was set before him ; and 
would have all his followers encourage themselves with 
the same prospect. Observe, 

jst. The cause of a believer's joy ; ^* I will see you 
again.^^ What soothing, comforting, heart-healing words ! 
*' Let not your heart be troubled," poor trembling, dis- 
consolate believer ; you may appear very mean in the 
world's eye, but you are very precious in Christ's eye. 
He bore youi sorrows, that you might have his joy. And 
though he miay have withdrawn himself, it is only for a 
small moment ; think not that he is gone forever ; bat 
comfort your heart with his gracious promise : Isa. liv. 7. 
He knows you cannot live without him ; and that his 
presence alone can disperse your gloom, and turn your 
sorrow into joy. Hence, he addresses you as a kind parent 
would a weejjiDg, clinging child, '^ Iivillsee you again,^^ 

2d. Thecordialnessofit ; " Your heart shall rejoice J^ 
He will shortly see you again ; and make you such a 
kind and friendly visit, and minister so much comfort to 
you, that '^ your heart shall rejoice " within you : Ps. 
xxxiii. 21. Joy in the heart is real, substantial joy ; it 
is sweet ; it is sure ; it is not easily broken in upon; 
and is such as a stranger intermeddles not with. Christ 
will soon return ; and then, you will rejoice heartily, 
sincerely, and greatly : John xv. 11. To be acquainted 
with Christ, you must be acquainted with grief ; but 
what of all that ? your sorrow is of short duration ; but 
your joy will know no end : Isa. li. II. 

3d. The continuance of it ; " Your joy no mantaJccth 
from youJ^ No man can separate you from the love of 
Christ ; and therefore, no man can take av/ay your joy. 
It is true, men ma)^ be permitted to bind and banish, yea, 
even torture and kill you ; but that could not take away 
your joy ; but would rather let you into greater joy. 



176 OF SUPPORT IN DEATH, 

" The righteous hath hope in his death." Prov. xiv. 32. 

Solomon here speaks of those who are righteous in a 
gospel sense, and many such are to be found. Let us, 

First, Attend to the character of those who have 
hope in their death: — '' the righteous ^ 1st. In an 
unrenewed state, '^ There is none righteous, no, not one :'^ 
Rom. iii. 10. None are legally righteous ; none such 
can be found upon eardi. 2d. All men are conceived 
and born in sin, and so are sinners by nature: Ps. li. 5. 
And as to practice, " there is not a just," or righteous, 
man upon earth," in a legal sense : Eccl. vii. 20. 3d. 
Yet every true believer in Jesus is righteous, according 
to the covenant of grace. God hath made Christ, who 
knew no sin, a sin-ofFering for us, that we might be made 
the righteousness of God in him : 2 Cor. v. 21. Every 
believer in Christ is ip. him, and has his righteousness 
imputed to him : 1 Cor. i. 30 : Rom. iv. b- — 10. 4th. 
Behevers in Christ have a righteousness imparted. They 
are renewed by the Holy Ghost, Titus iii. 5 ; and made 
partakers of the divine nature : 2 Pet. i. 4. They are no 
longer under the dominion of sin, Rom. vi. 14 ; being 
created anew in Christ Jesus unto good w^orks : Eph. ii. 
10. These are the righteous w4io have hope in their 
death. 

Secondly. Show v/hat things they hope for in their 
dying moments. 1st. They hope for the gracious pres- 
ence of God, to support and protect them, w^hile passing 
through the valley : Ps. xxiii. 4, Their hop-^ of this 
important blessing is founded on such promises as these ; 
*^ Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the 
world : " Matt, xxviii. 20. " This God is our God for- 
ever and ever ; he will be our guide even unlo death : " 
Ps. xlviii. 14. ^^ I will never leave thee, nor forsake 
thee : " Heb. xiii. 5. ^^ My flesh and my heart faileth ; 
but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion 
forevever : " Ps. Ixxiii. 26. 2d. They hope to be in 
happiness immediately after death : Ps. Ixxiii. 24 : to 
dwell in the presence of God : Ps. xvi. 1 1 : and of Christ : 
John xiv. 3. And thus being absent from the body, they 
hope to be present wilh the Lord : 2 Cor. v. 8 : and with 
the '^ spirits of just men made perfect : " Heb. xii. 23, 
3d, They hope for the resurrection of their bodies, &z;c. 



OP SUPPORT IN DEATH. 177 

** I know whom 1 have believed, and am persuaded that he is 
^ble to keep that which I have committed unto him till that day.'' 
S Tim. i. 12, 

Naturally, the fear of death is unavoidable, and, in 
itself, is not sinful. By infidelity, and vain reasonings, 
some have been able to preserve a kind of composure, 
and firmness of mind, even to the last moment ; notwith- 
standing, it was but their ignorance that kept them easy ; 
like opiates, which could not support them ; Ps. Ixxiii. 
4, 5* They have no hope in their death. Believing 
does not exempt a man from dying ; but though it cannot 
free him from the arms of death, it frees him from the 
sting of death ; and supports him through death. And 
the believer is enabled to say, with a holy assurance, 
^' I know whom I have helievedy I am not deceived in 
this important matter ; no ; I doubt it no more than my 
existence ; '^ I hnoWj^ that I am standing on a firm 
foundation ; I have entrusted my soul's salvation to the 
care of him who purchased it for me ; '' and am per* 
suadedj^ fully so, " that he is able,^^ ye^, and willing too, 
to ^' keep thaty^^dLud all things else, " which I have com* 
mitted unto him: John x. 28, 29. 

There can be no doubt about those being Well kept 
whom Christ has the keeping of ; and therefore, having 
committed the keeping of your soul to him, you may make 
yourself perfectly easy about it : Isa. xlv. 17. He will 
take good care of it, and preserve it, '' against that day : '' 
Rom. viii. 38, 39. In '^ that day,^^ the day of your 
death, you will be comforted, and supported, by that God 
whom you served in your life ; and as you have always 
found his grace sufficient, while living, you may depend 
upon finding it suflficient when dying : 2 Cor. xii. 9. And, 
be assured of it, it is as easy for a Christian to die as to 
live ; for, living or dying, he always finds '''-grace suffic-- 
tent ; " but none to spare. He will keep it unto that day 
when soul and body shall be again reunited ; and having 
been kept by the power of God, 1 Pet. i. 4, 5, it will be 
admitted into the presence and enjoyment of God. Now, 
you have many natural ties which bind you to the earth, 
and make the thought of parting unpleasant ; but in death, 
you will have dying-grace ; and your views and feelings 
may be altogether different, 
16 



CHAPTER IV. 



PROMISES OF BLESSINGS IN THE OTHER WORLD, 



OF DELIVERANCE FROM DEATH AND tHE GRAVE, 

" I will rerieem tfiem from death : O death, 1 will be thy plagues-/ 
O grave, I will be thy destructiun." Hos. xiii. 14. 

God made man, but sin unmade him ; and brought 
forth death; and all who work for sin have death for their 
wages : Rom. vi. 23. Sm is the parent of Death ; and 
every father may be considered an Adam to his offspring ; 
conveying corruption and death in his generation. The 
man who dreads sin will never have cause to fear death ; 
for the mighty conqueror shall be destroyed ; ^'O death, 
Iii'iU he thy pJagiies,'^^ Jesus Christ has already plagued 
death ; when he trampled upon bin] in his own terntories ; 
and he will assuredly plague him again ; for it is said '* I 
w^ill be thy 'pJagues.'^ Death w^ill finally meet with a 
death-blow. '• The last enemy that shall be destroyed is 
deatli : " 1 Cor. xv. 26. You may, and will, fall by the 
hand of death, and be put in the prison-hcuse of death : 
but yoi7 will assuredly be delivered ; for the Lord hath 
declared, ^' I icill redeem themJ^ The price of your 
i-ansom has already been paid ; Matt. xx. 28 : and your 
Redeemev has the keys of death hanging to his girdle : 
Rev. i. 18. Christ having freed you from sin. you shall, 
on account of his righteousness, be freed from death, which 
is the wages of sin. The blessed Saviour came into the 
v.-orld ^'to finish the transgression and make an end of sin :" 
Dan. ix. 24. And 5??i being ended,, which is the cause 
of death, there will, of course, be an end of death. The 
sentence of destruction is already passed upon death and 
the grave ; and will be faithfully executed : for, ^' There 
shall BE NO MORE DEATH, neither sorrow nor crying ; 
neither shall there be any more pain : '[ Rev. xxi. 4. 



OF DELIVERANCE FROM DEATH AND THE GRAVE. 179 

*»0 death, where is thy sting ? O grave, where is thy victory?" 
I Cor. XV. 55. 

Receive the word of thy redeeming Lord ; rejoice in 
the comfort of it ; Christ hath fulfilled it. He has brought 
in an everlasting righteousness, which he hath wrought 
out for thee, to clothe thy naked soul, and enable thee to 
stand before the throne of God, perfect and entire, lacking 
nothing : Dan. ix. 24. Man is no sooner born, than he 
is going to be baried. Death may shorten a believer's 
time, but cannot short^^n his life. Our time shortens as it 
lengthens ; and every day added is one taken away. 
Life itself is not worth calling living ; neither is death, 
to a believer, worthy the name of dying : 2 Cor. iv. 1 6. 
The Captain of out salvation ha«, not only conquered 
death, but, eu^merated it in the catalogue of our blessings : 
3 Cor. iii. 22. ^' Death is yours," to deliver you from all 
the evils of sin, sorrow, temptation and pain ; and yours 
to open the gate that admits you into life. What a glori- 
ous triumph will the redeemed have, when before their 
ravished eyes they shall see death and the grave com- 
pletely destroyed ! Then will they exultingly exclaim, 
" O death, where is thy sting ?" Why, death, what has 
become of thy deadly weapon ? where now is thy power 
to hurt us ? Why, thou hast lost thy weapon ! Vv'here is 
it ? what has become of thy sting ? we now defy thy 
power, and fear not thy weapon : Isa. xxv. 8. Ah ! thou 
hast lost thy sting in the flesh of Christ ; by his death he 
hath deprived thee of it, delivered us, and will destroy 
thee ! And then, turning round to the grave, with a holy 
triumph, they will exclaim, '^O grave, where is thy vic- 
tory 1 " We were once thy prisoners ; but what has 
become of thy prison doors ? Where are all thy bolts, 
bars, and shackles, with which thou didst so long hold 
us ? O grave ! what has become of thy victory ? 
where is it ? 

Death and the grave have nothing in them, nor belong- 
ing to them, that can hurt the saints of God. The 
brightest days die into nights, but rise again into morn- 
ings. A Christian should always be content to live, and 
willing to die. Life and Death are near neighbors ; and 
we should be neighborly toward both. Love life and feai' 
not death. 



180 OF HAPPINESS IMMEDIATELY AFTER DEATH. 

" There the wicked cease from troubling ; and there the weary 
be at rest." Job. iii. 17. 

Disease, at the hour of death, may deprive a true christ* 
ian of his reason, but can never rob him of his religion * 
for whoever possesses the religion of Jesus, has that which 
will carry him well through life, and conduct him safely 
through death to life, beyond death : Isa. Ivii. 2. The 
believer in Christ looks upon the gi'ave, as he does upon 
his bed, the place where " the weary restJ^ Here the 
saints are on pilgrimage ; but there their journey ends : 
Ps. Ixxiii. 24» Here the wicked persecute, hate^ ^nvy^ 
and vex them ; but " there the wicked cease from troub-' 
ling ;" Job iii, 18. Here they are to toil and labor, 
and are frequently so tired and fatigued, that they scarcely 
know what to do with their poor bodies, nor how to Jay 
them in order to have a little rest • but, " thej-ethe weary 
he at rest J ^ Aching hearts, wearied limbs, and empty 
stomachs, will never be known there. The grave has 
power over the body, to silence, imprison, and consume 
it : Gen. iii. 19 : but it has no such power over the soul ; 
for though death breaks the lantern, he cannot put out th^ 
candle: Prov. xx. 27. 

"When death dissolves the union, that existed in life, 
between the soul and body, the body very naturally returns 
to the earth from whence it was taken ; and the soul, or 
living immortal part which C2ime from God, as naturally 
returns to God whence it came : Gen. ii. 7. '^ Then 
shall the dust return to the earth as it was ; and the spirit 
shall return unto God who gave it ; " Eccl. xii. 7 : and 
who has a place prepared for its reception. And there 
it will remain till the slumbering bodies are aroused from 
their dusty beds ; then shall body and soul be reunited^ 
and be ever with the Lord : 1 Thes. iv. 16, 17. The 
dead who die '^ in the Lord ^^ carry their happiness with 
them into another state ; and, being freed from all sin 
and corruption, that happiness becomes greatly increased ; 
nor can there be any thing to mar their bliss, for " they 
rest from their labors : '' Rev. xiv. 13. All who have 
been subjects of Christ's kingdom on earth, will occupy 
those mansions prepared for them, after death : John 
xiv. 2, 3. It may be wrong to wish lor death ; but i| 
must be right to wish for glory : Phil, i, 23* 



OF HAPPINESS IMMEDIATELY AFTER DEATH, 181 

^< To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise." Luke xxiii. 43. 

Matthew informs us, that both the thieves, who were 
crucified with the blessed Jesus, reviled him : Matt, xxvii. 
44. But the grace of God found its way to the heart of 
one of those revilers ; and becoming convinced of his own 
deplorable condition, both by nature and practice, and 
being f^lly satisfied that Jesus was the true and promised 
Messiah, he offered unto him this short prayer, '^ Lord, 
REMEMBER ME ! " and immediately received this answer, 
'^ To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise.'^ Wherever 
Christ went from the cross, it is certain, the penitent thief 
went with him. Paradise signifies gcirden, and is used 
to denote happiness ; so that, it is evident, the blessed 
Jesus and the believing thief went direct from the cross 
to a state of happiness. And the Scriptures give us 
plainly to understand, that, that state was an intermediate 
state ; that is to say, the -^paradise '' Christ spoke of, 
when he said, '^ To-day shalt thou be with me in para- 
dise,^^ was not the state or place where he now is ; nor 
the final abode of the redeemed. Christ is now seated on 
'^ the throne of his Father : ^^ Rev. iii. 21 : and, it is 
certain, he did not go there on the day in which he said 
to the thief, '' To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise ; " 
for three days ajterward, he declares himself, '' I am not 
yet ascended to my Father : " John xx. 17. If then, 
Christ went to paradise, anrd that paradise, as is evident, 
is not where he now is, it must be where the departed 
spirits all go on leaving the body ; and where they will 
remain till the resurrection of the dead bodies. Peter 
assures us, that, after Christ was put to death in the flesh, 
he went and preached to the -'spirits hi prison : " and 
tells us plainly what spirits they were. See 1 Pet. iii. 
18, 19,20: and iv. 6. And admitting, that the two 
thieves were in one phee, (if that term might be used) it 
is no proof that both were in happiness. It was one 
being '' with " Christ that made it paradise to him ; i. e- 
united to him by faith as the branch is to the vine, par- 
taking of the same nature. Even in this state ^ two men 
may be in one house, one an unbeliever and the other ja 
true believer, the former is like the troubled sea : Isa» 
Ivii. 20, 21 ; and the latter has great peace : Ps. cxix. 
165. We need no greater ^arac/i^e than Christ affords^ 
IG* 



182 OF HAPPINESS IMMEDIATELY AFTER DEATH. 

" God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave ; for he 
shall receive me.*' Ps. xlix.lo. 

They who follow the Lord in life, have no room to 
doubt of his presence in death ; nor of being with him 
immediately after death. Here we have a trood reason 
given, why a child of God should not be afraid of death. ' 
All who can. consistently, claim Christ as their Saviour^ 
know^ that he has saved them from sin : Matt. i. 21 : and 
may with confidence say, '' God will redeem my soul from 
rthe power of the grave.'' The ^rave has power over 
the body, by virtue of that sentence already passed : Gen. 
iii. 19: but it has no such power over the soul ; the soul 
moves, and acts, and converses more freely after death, 
tlian it possibly could in this life : Rev. vi. 9 — 11. The 
soul is frequently put for the life ; and that may fall under 
" Mfc power of the grave '' for awhile ; but '^ GocZ icill 
redeem it,^^ when mortality shall be swallowed up of life. 
Here lies the Christian's consolation ; Death has no sting, 
and the s;rave has no victorv. The lans^uacre of a dvino: 
believer frequently is, and always should be, " Into thy 
hand I commit my spirit ; thou hast redeemed me, O 
Lord God of truth : " Ps. xxxi. 5. The Lord redeemed 
souls that he might receive them into the mansions pre- 
pared for them : John xiv. -2, 3. And though w^e know 
but little of the intermediate state, or state where the 
departed spirits are reserved till the resurrection of the 
body, we are assured of there being such a state : (see p. 
181) and the happiness, or wretchedness, of that state 
depends upon the state in which death finds us. If we 
live with Christ we shall die in him, and be with him 
after death ; and it matters not where we are, whether 
it be on the mount or in the valley, in a palace or a prison, 
in life or in death, in time or in eternity, it must he good 
to be where he is : John xrvii. 4. It is a Heaven of 
heavens to possess Christ ; and a Hell of hells to be without 
h'm. A Christian is always ready for heaven when his 
heart is there before him. Let death find you at the 
fountain washing, watching, and waiting your heavenly 
Father's call : I^uke xxi. 36. Death sends the believer 
into his own country, kindred, and friends. To be absent 
ficm the body, is to be present with the Lord : 2 Cor. 
V. 8. To be with the Lord is heaven. 



OF HAPPINESS IMMEDIATELY AlTTtR DEATH. 1S3 

*• We are confident, I say, and willing father to be absent from the 
body, and to be present with the Lord." 2 Cor; v. 8. 

Where the treasure is there the heart will be : Matt- 
vi. 21. A man who is constantly travelling need often 
wash his feet ; and so does the Christian need often, go to 
the fountain, that Christ may wash his heart: John xiii* 
10. All who w^ould have immediate happiness after 
death, must be prepared for it on earth. Death can never 
convert a soul to God : no ; the most that death can do, 
is, to fetch the converted home to God ; and that he 
cannot do till sent by him. As the Lord prepares the 
heart, Prov. xvi. 1 , so he gives the earnest of the Spirit 
as part-payment, and which assures its possessors of the 
balance, after their work is done : 2 Cor. i. 22. The 
blessed comforts of the Spirit here, are sure earnests of 
glory hereafter ; and enable those who possess them to 
say, "^ We are confident ; " whatever doubts we may have 
upon other matters, we have none with regard to our 
future happiness : "we know whom we have believed," 
and whenever death comes, he will find us both ready and 
willing to accompany him : Heb. xii. 23. The Christian 
finds but little here to court his stay ; his treasure is laid 
up in heaven ; his happiness is to be with Jesus, even 
while in the body, where his interviews with him are short 
and interrupted ; he is, therefore, " wiUing rather to be 
absent from the body, and present with the Lord." He 
desires to be with Christ altogether ; but this cannot be 
while in the body ; he had therefore rather be without 
the body than without Jesus : Phil. i. 23. In the body, 
we live to suffer ; absent from the body, we live to reign : 
Rom. viii. 17. "Blessed are the dead that die in the^ 
Lord : " These, and these only are blessed immediately 
on the soul leaving the body. His righteousness is theirs 
to justify them : 1 Cor. i. 30. His Spirit is theirs to 
justify them: 1 Cor. vi. IL They have a title to glory 
and a meetness for it: Rom. viii. 15 — 17. They have 
a capacity for its services, and a susceptibility of its joys: 
1 Cor. xiii. 12. In learning to live, study how to die ; 
that you may exchange a bed of death for a crown of 
life : 2 Tim. iv. 8. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were 
happy immediately after death : Matt. xxii. 4 ; so wero 
Moses and Elias ; Mark. ix. 4 : and so will every beliver. 



184 OF A GLORIOUS RESURRECTION. 

" Though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my fleih 
shall I see God." Job xix. 26. 

Christ would not have his coat divided, neither will 
he have a heart divided. A real believer, while in time, 
looks beyond time ; he has his eye fixed on heaven while 
he walks on the earth : Matt. vi. 21. Such is the holy 
indifference with which a believer looks upon the corrupt- 
ing of his body, that after the skin is worn through, and 
scarcely able to hold the bones, he says, '^ Thovgh ajter 
my sTcin,^^ which is already partly consumed, '' worms 
destroy this body,^^ that is now little more than a skeleton, 
'^ yet in my flesh shall I see God : " Ps. xvi. 9. Every 
Christian has hope in Christ ; and such an one too as is 
not bounded by the narrow limits of time ; for were that 
the case, their lot would be a hard one ; seeing, that, in 
this world, they are hated, buffeted, and persecuted ; and 
exposed to all manner of sufferings, because they are not 
of the world : John xv. 19, 20. But believing in a 
RESURRECTION, their hopes carry them beyond the grave; 
and their assurance of a glorious one comforts them under 
every calamity : Isa. xxvi. 19. The body must return 
to the dust from whence it was taken : Gen. iii. 19 : but, 
that self-same body, shall be raised incorruptible, honor- 
able, and spiritual ; leaving not' ing in the grave but the 
corruption : 1 Cor. xv. 42 — 44. Soul and body must 
come together again, in order to make a perfect man. 
'^ In my flesh,^^ says the Christian, " shall I see GodJ' 
Let this animate you when looking toward your own 
grave. Think of it with resignation and pleasure. It is 
true, sin takes away your health and strength, and lays 
*your body in the grave : but hear what Jesus says among_^ 
the tombs, ^^ I am the resurrection and the hfe : " John 
xi. 25. At the sound of this take courao^e and o;o forward. 
Look, not only to the grave, but through it. You have 
not to leap from a precipice ; but to descend an easy 
flight of steps ; hang upon your Beloved and Friend ; lie 
down quietly at his bidding, resting assured that he will 
guard your sleeping dust, and shortly bid you rise. Here 
you often mourn on account of not being able to get a 
sight of Jesus ; there you will be like him, for you will 
see him as he is : 1 John iii. 2. What a happy day when 
these two cousins meet, (soul and body) in the Hill-country, 



OF A GLOJIIOUS RESURRECTION. 185 

" Neither can they die anymore; for they are equal unto the 
angels ; and are the children of God, being the children of the res* 
urrection." Luke xx. 36. 

Jesus is the life of a believer's hope here, and the 
hope of life hereafter : John xi. 25. In this world men 
die ; and for that reason men marry, that the vacancies 
may be filled up ; but in heaven they marry not, 
because they die not : Rev. xxi. 4. Death reigns here, 
but cannot enter there to disturb them any more. 
" Neither can they die any more ; " for the body being 
raised incorruptible, there can be nothing belonging to, 
nor connected with it, that could possibly tend to death. 
This body '' is sown in corruption, it is raised in incor- 
ruption ; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory ; it is 
sown in weakness, it is raised in power ; it is sown a 
natural body, it is raised a spiritual body^ " — not a spirit, 
but spiritual. For '' There is a natural body, and there 
is a spiritual body : " 1 Cor. xv. 42 — -44 " They are 
equal unto the ajigeh ; " their glory is equal, and their 
bliss cannot be inferior ; their employment is the same ; 
and their enjoyment is as great : Ps. xix. 1 — 8. Daily 
experience convinces the saints, that, in this world, they 
at best, are but strangers and pilgrims ; that here they have 
no abiding place, and have but to lodge a while in tents 
put up to be taken down. Hence, they are constantly 
lookintr forward and hasting to that day which shall restore 
their flesh ; when death shall all be done away, and in 
Heaven they will be all naturalized citizens ; '' equal 
unto the angels," and enjoy that freedom which Christ 
obtained for them ^^ with a great sum." They '' are the 
children ofOod ; " while in this world they received the 
adoption of sons: Rom. viii. 15 — -IT: and wait for its 
completion in the other world : Rom. viii. 23. Here 
they have the nature and disposition of sons, but will 
have to go home before it can be perfected. They are 
" the children of the resurrection ; " being born from 
above, they are made capable of the employments and 
enjoyments of the family of heaven, ]None can enjoy 
the priviliges of the household of God, without being 
born of God : John i. 12, 13. We must be raised from 
a death of sin, before we can be raised to a life of glory* 
Every cluld of grace is heir to a crown of glory. 



186 OF HAPPINESS IN HEAVEN. 

" The upright shall dwell in thy presence." Ps. cxl. 13. 

What can we say of heaven, seeing we know so 
little, and cannot tell even that little ? But we will 
venture to affirm, that if heaven was now laid open to 
our view, we should no longer be fit to dwell upon the 
earth ; our minds would be so engaged with the rapturous 
scene, that every thing else would sink into insignificance, 
and every other engao;ement be neglected. The present 
order of things would be deranged ; and the beings to 
whom it was presented injured and destroyed.. If the 
spirit of the Queen of Sheba left her at the sight of 
Solomon's glory, 2 Chron. ix. 4, and Jacob fainted when 
he heard that his son Joseph was alive, and the sight of 
the waggons had so great an effect upon him, how could 
it be possible to behold heaven and live upon earth? 
Gen. xlv. 25 — 28. However, with all our deficiencies,, 
v/e are not totally ignorant of the happiness of heaven. 
This much we do know ; '' The upright shall dwell in 
Gocfs presence,^^ We know there are gradations among 
angels ; for we read of thrones and dominions, and 
principalities and powers: Col. i. 16. We know also, 
that there are different degrees of grace among Christians ; 
and can have no doubt but there are different degrees in 
glory ; though all are perfectly happy ; but small vessels 
cannot hold so much as large ones ; notwithstanding all 
may be full : 1 Cor. iii. 8. Heaven is a place ; our 
Lord has a body like our own, and that cannot be 
omnipresent ; and wherever he is corporeally, there is 
heaven : John xii. 26. Enoch and Elijah have bodies 
there ; and so will all the redeemed. There we shall 
see our dear little ones that were taken from us ; we 
loved them here — but how much more.when we behold 
them smiling, shining cherubs ! Husbands and wives, 
parents and children, ministers and people, kindred and 
friends, will there meet to part no more forever. And 
seeing we have no right to suppose that our memories 
will fail us, what can prevent us from knowing each 
other ? Peter, James, and John, knew Moses and Elias : 
Matt. xvii. 1 — 8. Paul told the Thessalonians they were 
his hope, and joy, and crown, at the coming of the Lord 
Jesus Christ : 1 Thes. ii. 19, Surely, then, he must 
know them. 



OF HAPPINESS IN HEAVEN. 187 

"In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not sol 
would have told you ; I go to prepare a place for you." John xiv. 2. 

Our blessed Jesus, to give his followers the best of 
comfort in the worst of times, assures them, that in his 
^' Father^ s house are many mansions J^ Heaven is a 
house ; not a tent that is put up but for a few days ; 
neither is it a house made with hands, that, with its 
builder, must shortly crumble into dust : 2 Cor. v. 1. 
The Saviour calls it his " Father's house ; " and we 
Icnow that his Father is the Father of every believer in 
him ; and that his house is their home : John i. 12. 
There are different appartments, it appears, in his house, 
and such as will well accommodate his whole family. 
There may be one for every grade : but be that as it may, 
there are " many mansions " in it, sufficient to receive all 
with every comfort. But commodious as "■ Father's 
house" is, it would not be large enough for ^i^?o families ; 
therefore, our Emmanuel says, " I go to prepare a place 
for you ; " for you my brethren ; for you the '^ sons of 
God ; " 1 John iii. 2. Every occupant will be com- 
pletely swallowed up of glory and of God. Multitudes 
who possessed not a foot of land on earth, will possess a 
mansion after death : Luke xii. 32. Of the reality of 
all this happiness there can be no doubt, for the adorable 
Redeemer declares, '^ If it were not so I would have told 
you ; " men may deceive you — you may deceive your- 
selves — but I will not — ^^ 1 go to prepare a place for 
you ; " and I will fetch you to it when I have prepared 
you for it : John xiv. 3. 

Heaven is a place of perfect purity ; and this to 
the Christian is worth dying for, to leave behind the body 
of this death ; this continual strife and warring in the 
members ; this inability to do the things we would ; this 
proneness to sin ; to be innocent as the first Adam in 
Eden, and holy as the second Adam in heaven ! Heaven 
is a social state ; here we have but few holy companions; 
but there we shall have a vast multitude ; who will all 
unite with us in recounting the mercies and goodnesses 
of our God; and aid us in ascribing Salvation to our 
God which sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb : 
Rev. vii. 9, 10. Our society there will be the most 
dignified, and our employments the most exalted. 



188 OF PLEASURE AND JOY IN HiiAVtN. 

**Thou wilt show me the path of life ; in thy presence is fuJnesB 
of joy ; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Ps4 
xvi. 11. 

It is the highest wisdom for a man to let his sins die 
before he dies himself. As Christ is the Head and his 
Church the body^ all who have had their sins put to 
death, may, with confidence and comfort to themselves, 
say, '' Thou wilt shoiv me the path of lifeJ^ A good 
head and a good heart are from the good grace of God ; 
and are necessary to every good work : Phil. ii. 13, 
God will, not only '' shoio us the path of life," but will 
also put his Spirit within us, and so cause us to walk in 
that path : Ezek. xxxvi. 27. Sorrow is our lot in this 
world ; but in heaven there is joy prepared for us. 
Here our greatest joys are empty and imperfect ; but in 
the '^ presence of God " we shall have ^' fulness of joy ; " 
our cup of joy will be so full, there will be no room for 
one drop of sorrow : 1 Cor. ii. 9. Here our sweetest 
pleasures are but momentary ; they fly away, and are 
succeeded by bitter sorrows ; but at ^' God^s right hand 
there are pleasures Jorevermore.^^ They are immortal 
pleasures ; suited to immortal souls, who are to enjoy 
them forever, in the presence of an eternal God. We 
shall also have the presence and sight of the blessed 
Saviour, '^ in w^hom dwelleth all the fulness of the God- 
head bodily : " Col. ii. 9. Neither the place, the com- 
pany, the harps, nor the crowns, could substitute for 
Jesus ; it could be 7io heaven without him ; w^e shall, 
therefore, be with him ^ — 'be like him — and ever enjoy 
his presence: Phil. i. 23. We are now in prison — the 
compassionate Captain of our Salvation often visits us in 
our cell ; and helps us to supplies through our bars ; but 
the best of all his visits will be his last ; when he will 
not only come to us, but /or us : John xiv. 3. Our joy 
in heaven will be joy exceeding joy ; and '^ glory with 
exceeding joy : " Jude 24. It is life, '^ eternal life;" 
it is salvation, an " everlasting salvation ; " it is a kingdom, 
a kingdom " that cannot be shaken ; '' it is a crown, '^ a 
crown of glory that fadeth not away." Every power, 
passion, and faculty we possess, will be continually 
expanding and filling with the knowledge and love pf 
God, in whose presence is fulness of joy. 



liL 



OF PLEASURE AND JOY IN HEAVEN. 189 

*^ I will make thee ruler over many things : enter thou into the 
Joy of tliy Lord." Matt. xxv. 21. 

Christ will never say, ^^ Well done!" to any who 
have not done welL It matters but little who speaks 
ill of us in this our day, if we but know that God will 
speak well of us in the last day. But our Redeeming 
Lord will not put his faithful servants off with merely- 
giving theui a good name; for he will do well unto 
them : Rom. ii. 6. '^ / will make thee ruler over many 
ihhigsJ' All we can do for Christ is very little ; and it 
is most ungrateful not to do the little we may. If all 
our doings, sufferings, and improvings, were put together, 
they would scarcely be worth naming ; much less worthy 
to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed 
by him for us; yea, in us: Rom. viii. 18. Amongst 
the '^ many things " he has in store for those who serve 
him, are, a crown of righteousness : 2 Tim. iv. 8 : a 
throne of glory: Rev. iii. 21: and a kingdom: Luke 
xii. 32. They may have been beggars here, but that 
shall not prevent their being riders in heaven. Here 
they have but flashes of joy and floods of sorrow : but 
there they shall enter fully "into the joy of their Lord J^ 
The joy of heaven will be pure^ bee from all alloy : an 
ocean of joy without one drop of grief. Let the eye 
turn which way soever it may, nothing hut joy will be to 
be seen : — the presence and enjoyment of God and 
the Lamb, will fill both soul and body unutterably full 
of unutterable joy. All sadness shall be turned into 
songs ; and the tears in v/hich you now sow, will issue 
in floods, yea, rivers of pleasure for you to bathe in: 
Rev. vii. 15 — 17. Now we see through a glass darkly ; 
but then face to face. Now we know in part ; then shall 
we know even as we are known. Now we are assaulted 
by the enemy ; then we shall be freed from every foe ; 
and have nothing in us that temptation can operate upon. 
Nothing will be found there to mar our pleasures ; nor 
wound our peace. Here Christians are in their infancy, 
there they will arrive at the fullness of the stature of 
Christ. Here, at best, they are faithful over but few 
things ; there they are made '' rulers over many things.^* 
Here we are saved by hope ; there w^e possess the 
reality. Now we have the earnest ; then the inheritance. 
17 



190 OF GLORY IN HEAVEN". 

** They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the UrmRment ^ 
and they that turn many to rigliteousness as the stars forever and 
ever. " Dan. xii. 3. 

Manv are wise in their own account, who are fools In 
God's account : 1 Cor. iii. 1 9. None are truly wise, 
but such as are wise for their souls and eternity ; and all 
such, being taught of God^ must be wise ; and it will bs 
made to appear in eternity, that they were such, althcugli 
they were counted fools. They who walk in the way 
of wisdom in time, shall have a glorious reward in eter- 
nity. " T/ieij shall shine as the brightness of the firma- 
ment, " Here they are buried in obscurity, and loaded 
with reproach and shame ; but there, when God shall 
have rolled away their reproach, they will shine like an 
unclouded sky ; and that in the same proportion as they 
have made themselves useful in instructing others : Matt. 
V. 19. For '''they that tarn many to righteousness ^^^ 
that is, turn the wicked from the error of their ways, from 
sin to holiness : and help them to fly from that death 
which is the wages of sin, shall have a great addition to 
their own glory by sharing in the glory of others : Jam.es 
V. 20. *' They shall shine as the stars, " Christ is the 
Sun, the fountain of all light, and those who teach others 
may be considered as stars ; some shining much brighter 
than others, but all shining in that light they derive from 
him who is the Author of light ; both of grace and glory. 

Figures were originally used, not for ornament, but to 
explain the sacred truths ; and w^e need them for the 
same purpose still. VVe have no way of understanding 
what is difficult, but by the application of what is 
familiar. No wonder then, in order that we might have 
some weak conceptions of the glory of heaven, that we 
Tead of rivers of pleasure ; trees ol life ; palms of vic- 
tory ; crowns of glory ; feastings and mirths ; treasures 
and triumphs ; singing and shouting ; — ^^and a thousand 
other images which serve to show us a little of the 
glorious substance, which God has laid up for them that 
fear him : Ps. xxxi. 1 9. And v/hen the stars shall fall 
from heaven as leaves from the trees, and their lights 
shall have gone out, the saints shall shine ''for ever and 
ever.'^ Trim your lamp in timCj that it may burn well 
m eternity. 



OF GLORY IN HEAVEN. 191 

" «« When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall we also 
appear with him in glory." Col. iii. 4, 

Jesus Christ is the life of all who beheve on him: 
Gal. ii. 20. By him we are brought to the enjoyment 
of God : being quickened by his Spirit, and conformed 
to his image, we are enabled to live on God's fulness of 
grace, and do all with an eye to his glory : Phil. i. 21. 
He is our life, being the source and maintainer of life : 
he purchased eternal hfe for his people : bestows it on 
them-; dwells in their hearts; comforts them while on 
their pilgrimage ; and, at their journey's end, will give 
them all that eternal blessedness he has purchased and 
prepared for them: John xi. 25. Christ is now hid, 
and our life is hid with him ; but he will not always be 
concealed : for he will appear in all the splendor of the 
heavenly world, accompanied by ten thousand times ten 
thousand glorified saints and angels: Dan. vii. 10: Rev. 
vii. &, 10. It will be Christ^s glory to have his saints 
with him^ 2 Thess. i. 10 : and it will be their glory to 
be with him: John xvii. 24. What a glorious meetings 
when glorified saints, and glorified angel-s, with a gloria 
fied Christ appear in glory ! 

And '^ ye also,'' yes, '^ ye also, shall appear with 
him in glory : " notwithstanding your unworthiness, your 
many short-comings, and base ingratitude, he wdll have 
you with him in glory : John xiii. 1. There is your 
head ; there is your home ; there is your all ; and there 
" ye shall be also ; '' and that for ever. Even on earth, 
the Christian realizes more of the glory of heaven than 
he can find language to express. What can equal the 
state of those, who, with humble confidence, can say, 
^' Being justified by faith, w^e have peace with God, 
through our Lord Jesus Christ; by w^hom also we have 
access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and 
rejoice in hope of the glory of God?'' Rom. v. I, 2. 
The thought of such amazing glory in heaven, creates 
constant joys upon earth ! " For our light affliction, 
which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more 
exceeding and eternal weight of glory : 2 Cor. iv. 17. 
But why should we any longei darken counsel with 
words, seeing it is impossible for finite language to der 
scribe infinite glory ? 1 Cor. ii. 9. 



192 - OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 

"The saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and 
possess the kingdom." Dan. vii. 18. 

Saints are persons who are holy, in heart and in life ; 
and are distinguished from sinners, or the world, by their 
godly walk and conversation : Ps. xvi. 3. They are 
travellers to Zion ; and the more difficulties they meet 
on their way, the sweeter v/ill be their heaven, when 
they come to it: Isa. xxxv. 10. Sinners cavil at, and 
persecute the saints, while here ; but God will plead 
their cause hereafter : and " the saints of the most High 
shall take the kingdom^^^ to which they are now heirs. 
Even while in this sinful state, they have dominion over 
their own corruptions and lusts ; and, throuoh grace^ 
they are constantly obtaining victories over the world, 
temptations, and Satan : I John v. 4. The saints rule, 
by the Spirit's ruling in them ; and have the 'kingdom 
now within them : Luke xvii. 21. But they will shortly 
be Vv'itliin the kingdom ; and possess it : Luke xii. 32. 
According to the promise of Christ, they are now look- 
ing for, travelling to, and in expectation of, an everlasting 
kingdom, and a never-fading crown: 1 Pet. i. 4 : v. 4. 
They are assured that Christ has a kingdom ; and know 
that what is his is theirs ; and that they are his : 1 Cor. 
iii. 21— -23. ^^ They shall possess the kingdom : ^^ 
having taken it, they shall possess it in peace. They 
shall throw down their sword, and take up their crown : 
and being at the end of their journey, their staff \\ ill be 
laid aside, and the sceptre used in its stead. They will 
then have left off praying, and commenced praising : 
their watchino; will be ended, their dano-er beino- over: 
faith will be lost in sight, and hope drowned in the 
ocean of sensible and full enjoyment: Rev. xxi. 3, 4. 

Say not, poor tried soul, that this kingdom is not for 
you ; that it is too good for you. The gate of heaven 
is now opened to you ; your hope is in Christ, perfect 
and complete; look unto him, and him alone. In 
Christ we are, 1st. Perfectly cleansed from all guilt: 
Rom. viii. 1. 2d. Restored to perfect righteousness: 
1 Cor. i. 30. 3d. Cotnpletely reconciled to God : 2 
Cor. V. 18, and 4th. We have the gales of the kingdom 
thrown open to us : Heb. x. 19 — 22. Here is all you 
can need ; a glorious crown and perfection in Christ. 



OF THE KINGDOM QF HEAVEN. * 193 

*« Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared 
for you from the foundation of the world." Matt. xxv. 24. 

The best wine is reserved for the last. This last 
come^ from the lips of our immortal King, will be the 
most joyful of all his gracious words. As Christ loves 
his saints best, so he will reckon with them first. What 
unutterable joy will fill their hearts, when, as they wake 
up from their dusty bed's, they meet with such a hearty 
welcome from the lips of their gracious Redeemer ! 
^' Come " to me, and be forever with me : 2 Thes. iv. 17. 
" Come, yc " that followed me below", bearing your cross ; 
come and wear a crown : 2 Tim. \v, 8. '^ Come, ye '' 
who were hated, persecuted, and cursed, by the w^orld : 
*^ Ye blessed of my Father ;" beloved from eternity ; 
and blessed to eternity. ^- Ye blessed " in me with all 
spiritual blessings ; I was given to you ; sought you ; 
found you ; laid down my life for you ; gathered you to 
myself; and now come and reign with me : EpL i. 3. 
Ye beloved of my soul, whom I redeemed from the curse 
of the law ; I made it your privilege to come boldly to a 
throne of grace ; and now you are welcome to a throne 
of glory: Luke xxii. 29, 30. '^^ Inherit the Mngdom,^' 
which I purchased for you, and ^'prepared for you.^^ 
I told you, that ^' in my Father's house were many man- 
sions," and, that ^^ I would prepare a place for you ;" 
now come and see, that I have done all things according 
to my promise. All is now ready for your reception ; 
come in, and take possession. ^^ Come ! " I told you I 
would come again, and receive you to myself; and now, 
here I am ; and give you ten thousand welcomes in one ! 
Come to my house — my throne — my arms — my heart. 
All has been " prepared for you from the foundation of 
the world ; " so that you have all by the free gift of ray- 
Father's love and good pleasure, prepared by his grace, 
and reserved for you. '' Come ! " Take possession now ! 
Here are your Mansions — your Seats — r your Thrones 
——your Sceptres — your Kingdoms — your Crowns! 
Reign forever ! Then will they sing, *' Salvation to our 
God which sitteth upon the throne^ and unto the Lamb : " 
Rev. viii. 9, 10: Hold constant communion with God; 
and you will enjoy a heaven while on earth j and a 
heaven after death. Hallelujah ! 
17# 



194 OF THE ENJOYMENT OF GOD. 

*' With thee is the fountain of life : in thy light shall we see 
light." Ps. xxxvi. 9, 

Life and light shall be the eternal portion of the 
saints : thrir bliss will be the enjoyment of God : and 
since he is eternal, their happiness must be endless. 
Observe, 

First. In him they have a '^fountain of life.^^ As 
the streams are dependent on the spring, and the beams 
on the sun, so we are dependent on God : 1st. For our 
natural life ; we derived it from him, and it is owing to 
his pity, patience, and fatherly care, that our lives have 
been prolonged ; we could not move a limb without 
him ; nor have a being but for him : Actsxvii. 28. The 
God of nature is the God of all natural life. 2d. He is 
the Fountain of all spiritual life. All the strength, com- 
fort, principles, powers, and performances, of a sanctified 
soul, he is the Spring and Author of: John i. 4. And 
3d. He is the Fountain of eternal life ; for without him 
there could be no heaven : Ps. xvi. 11. He is not a 
wasting stream, that soon exhausts its store ; but a nev- 
er-failing Fountain, ever flowing in plenteous supplies 
for every demand. 

Secondly. In him they have light. This is a dark 
world, and we see but little comfort in it ; but the more 
we have of God, even nov^^, the more we have of light : 
for ''God is light : ^^ 1 John i. 5. Those only who 
have an acquaintance w^ith God have seen the light. 1st. 
Divine light now shines in the word of truth ; but more 
especially in the face of Jesus Christ: John viii. 12. 
But, 2d. When tli,e curtain of time is wound up, then, 
and not till then, ^' shall we see light in His light, '^ in 
the highest perfection : 1 Cor. xiii. 12. Now our bright- 
est views, are but like looking at the sun through an 
opaque glass ; and our sight constantly interrupted by 
flying-clouds ; but there, our light will be bright, real, 
and lasting. Here we have dark nights, and cloudy 
days ; but there we shall have our light from God and 
the Lamb ; whom no cloud can darken : 1 John iii. 2. 
We now, have his presence in grace ; but then, we shall 
have it in glory : Rev. xxi. 3, 23. Cheer up, poor 
trembhng believer ! your troublesome days, and weari- 
some nights, will soon be at an end. 



OF THE ENJOYMENT OF GOD. 195 

" So shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thes. iv. 17. 

The thought of a resurrection should always be a 
spring of consolation ; and when we lose our godly 
friends by death, we should bear in mind, that they are 
only gone to bed a little before us. Nor should we forget, 
that when Christ calls them up in the morning of the last 
day, we, with them, shall be carried on clouds, and con- 
ducted by angels, into our Father's house, to go out no 
more : ''So shall we ever be with the LordJ^ Then 
shall we, not only meet together, but remain together, 
" ever with the Lord." Now we walk by faith ; 2 Cor. 
V. 7 ; but in heaven, we shall see the smiles and beauty 
of our Redeemer's face without a veil between : 1 John 
iii. 2. Now is our seed-time, and we have to labor in 
the field ; but when the harvest is gathered in, we shall 
have our Harvest-Home; and ever be with the Harvest- 
Lord. Here we have frequently to complain of inter- 
ruptions in our communion with God ; but there, no 
intruder will be admitted ; and we shall have nothing to 
mar our eternal enjoym.ent of the Lord. We have to 
lament our darkness here ; but we shall have light enough 
there: Rev. xxii. 5. Here we have to grapple with 
death ; but there we shall have everlasting life : Rev, 
xxi. 4. Now we are deprived of many things ; then we 
shall possess all things : Rev. xxi. 7. 

Glory is a flower that can never fade ; the possessor 
of it shall be ahvays pleased and delighted with it: Ps, 
xvi. IL All true Christians are bom of God : John i. 
12, 13 : and all who are born of God, are heirs of God, 
and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ : Rom. viii. 17 : and 
those who are heaven-born, are heaven-bound ; and will 
shortly be in the full enjoyment of God their inheritance. 
In the enjoyment of God, we shall have Peace, Plenty, 
Profit, Pleasure, Ease, Health, Honor, Riches, Glory, 
Immortality, and Eternal Lile ! Yea, we shall have 
Thrones for our seats ; Crowns for our heads ; Sceptres 
for our hands ; Heaven for our home ; God for our Father ; 
Christ for our brother ; Angels for our companions ; and 
ALL that Heaven can hold for our jx)ssessions : Rev. xxi. 
7. O, believer, abide in Jesus ! rest satisfied ; very 
shortly your Jesus shall be from heaven revealed, to make 
you forever happy in his rest. 



PART II. 

PROMISES TO SEVERAL GRACES AND DUTIES, 
CHAPTER L 

PROMISES TO DUTIES OF THE FIRST TABLE, 
TO FAITH IN CHRIST. 



*' He tliat believeth shall not make haste." Isa. xxviii. 16. 

Without a foundation, no house can stand a storm ^ 
but one well built upon a rock bids defiance to floods and 
winds : Matt. vii. 24 — 27. God has laid a sure founda- 
tion for your faith, and you are required to build upon it ; 
it is a foundation laid in Zion, the Church. It is one 
which thousands have already tried, by building their 
hopes of heaven upon it ; and has never been known to 
fail one : Rom. ix. 33. Neither will it fail you, if you 
venture your all upon it ; for it is still written, '^ He that 
believeth shall not jnake hasted This is our mercy. 
Jesus Christ is the main and principle object ; for faith 
and Christ must go together. '' He that believeth ; '^ 
that is, receiveth and resteth upon Christ alone for salva- 
tion ; Acts iv. 12 ; and deriveth all his hopes of life and 
happiness from him, '' shall not make hasteJ^ He shall 
not be confounded : 1 Pet. ii. 6. His expectation shall 
act be cut oft ; he shall not be in a hurry ; but will quietly 
and patiently wait till the coming of his Lord : Lam. iiL 
26 : being fully persuaded, that he that shall come, will 
come and not tarry : Heb. x. 37. Sin and Satan shall 
not overcome ^^ he that believeth ; '" his heart is fixed ; 
and being confident that Jesus reigns, he smiles at every 
storm : and has no doubt of reiornins: with him. 



TO FAITH IN CJHKIST. 197 

<« If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believ*- 
eth." Mark. ix. 23. 

Without believing in Christ, there can be no love to 
him, nor comfort from him ; as poor needy sinners, we 
have constantly to cleave to Jesus from hour to hour* 
The most exalted apostle, and the most obscure sinner, 
are upon a level. Both have the same evils to be deliv- 
ered from ; both believe in the same Jesus, to obtain the 
same end, to enjoy peace with God, through him : Rom. 
V. 1. The enemy of your soul will do all he can to 
cause you to question the power, or willingness, of Christ 
to save you ; and the Saviour knowing this, would rather 
put you upon questioning your own faith. '' If thou 
canst believe,^^ that that hard heart of thine can be broken 
by the power of his grace : " believe " all that he has 
promised — ■ part with all thy sins, let them be never so 
pleasurable — venture all that concerns thy soul with 
him, and all that concerns thy body for him, then thou 
shalt know, that '■ all things are possible to him that 
believeth : ^^ Phil. iv. 13. ''Canst thou believe, that 
though thou art a sinner, Jesus Christ is both able and 
wilhng to save thee ? Acts xiii. 39. Durst thou believe, 
that if thou venturest all upon him, he will now save thee ? 
Rom. iv. 5. Remember, he speaks to thee, as if thou 
hadst nothing to do but believe ; for do what thou wilt 
without beheving, it will amount to nothing : Heb. xi. 6* 
Do not say '' I cannot believe ; " for you certainly have 
as jnuch power to believe, as you have to pray ; and as 
you try to pray, so do you try to believe : John i. 12, 
It is true, in your corrupt nature, there dwells no good 
thing ; Rom. vii. 18 ; but it is the will of God, and the 
work of God, that you are aiming at ; and w ill not a God 
of love and grace, put out his hand to liolp his own work ? 
Gal. iii. 22. Will he not help a poor weak creature to 
do his own will ? Ps. xlii. 5, Jesus ever lives and prays ; 
gospel grace is still proclaimed to the wretched. Come 
to Jesus, owning your sin, and grieving for your folly ; 
and believe in him, '' that 'ye may know that ye have 
eternal life :" 1 John v. 13. You have good reason to 
believe, drawn from the love of God. The Father gave 
his Son ; faith approves that gift ; John iii. 1 6. '' If thou 
canst believe/' even mountains will fly before thy faith<» 



198 TO FAITH IN CHRIST. 

** Every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.'* 
Numb. xxi. 8. 

Most serpents are poisonous ; and all sins are ruinous. 
Our sins are never mortified, till we have seen Christ 
crucified. When Isrpel sinned against God, fiery serpents 
were sent amongst them by God ; which bit the people, 
and much people of Israel died ; and had not God have 
found a cure, all must have died. When they prayed, 
the Lord heard ; a serpent of iDrass was made ; and, that 
all might have the privilege of looking upon it, it was set 
upon a pole in the midst of the Israelitish camp. Their 
cure was conditional ; ^' Every one that looketh upon it 
shall live ; " and which plainly implied, that the bitten 
who did not look upon it, would not live. Their case 
and CURE very much resemble ours. 

J St. They were mortally wounded by the serpents, 
whose bite was Jiery ; so are we, by the old serpent, 
Rev. xii. 9, whose darts are fiery : Eph. vi. 16. 2d. 
The bite of the serpent heated and inflamed the whole 
body ; hence they are called '^ Jiery scpenis ; " so do 
lust, and passion inflame the soul, while the tamest sins 
bite like the wildest serpents : Prov. xxiii. 32. 3d. 
They could riot heal the wounds the serpents made ; 
neither can we. the wounds that sin hath made : Ezek 
xviii. 4. 4th. God devised the plan of their recovery, 
and had it put into effect ; so he did the plan of our 
salvation : John iii. 14, 15. 5th. Moses lifted up the 
serpent ; the law (as a school^master) brings us to Christ : 
Gal. iii. 24. 6th. As all were saved who looked upon 
the serpent on the pole ; so all are saved who look upon 
Jesus Christ, as having been lifted up on the cross, and 
as he is held forth on the pole of the Gospel : John iii. 
16. 7th. If the serpent-bitten Hebrews had not have 
believed in the remedy, they would not have looked unto 
it ; neither will the wounded sinner, unless he believes : 
Matt. xiii. 58. The method of healing, might have 
seemed very unlikely ; still they looked and lived. Do 
thou likewise. 

Do you believe on the name of the Son of God, as the 
only Saviour of lost sinners ? When this truth is believed 
ki the heart, that soul has an earnest of eternal life, 
Faith comes by hearing the word of truth. 



TO FAITH IN CHRIST. 199 

** I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believetb ©n 
me should not abide in darkness." John xii. 46'* 

Thank God ! though our case is bad, it is not despe-* 
rate ; though we have wandered in the dark, we are not 
left in the dark : John viii. 12. We have here, 

First. The design of Christ's mission ; ''lam come a 
light, ^^ &:c* He is the source and medium of all divine 
knowledge, and came a '' light into the world ; '' 1st. 
By his office. He had, for ages, been announced as 
'' the Sun of righteousness ; Mai. iv. 2 ; and a " Hght 
to lighten the Gentiles: " Isa. xlii* 6. He taught the 
most sublime and important doctrines — explained the 
law and the prophets —made known the will of God, 
John i. 18, the redemption of the world, and the way of 
salvation : John iii. 16-— 18. 2d. By his Gospel, '' Life 
and immortality are brought to life by the Gospel : " 9 
Tim. i. 10. It discovers the nature, blessings, and privi- 
leges of the covenant of grace ; and teaches the only 
way to holiness, happiness and heaven: i Cor. i. 21, 
3d. By his Spirit, He dissipates darkness and error, 
and, as a Spirit of wisdom, commiinicates spiritual know- 
ledge and hohness to them that believe: 1 Cor. ii, JO. 
Thus Christ is the true light of the moral world. 

Secondly. The principle of salvation; " That whoso- 
ever believeth on meJ^ 1st. The object of faith is speci- 
fied ; "• on ME." We should believe in the divinity of 
his person — the authority of his mission — the efficacy 
of his sacrifice — the dignity of his offices — and the 
sufficiency of his grace: 2 Cor. v. 18, 19. 2d. The 
nature of faith is implied ; '' Whosoever believeth." 
Faith i& represented by looking to, Isa. xlv. 22, receiving 
froMy Matt. xi. 28, and trusting in Christ, for every 
promised blessing: Eph. i. 12, 13. 3d. The necessity 
of faith is suggested. He that believeth not is condemed 
already : " John iii. 16. But living faith in the Redeemer, 
secures all the benefits of redemption : John iii. 36. 

Thirdly. The privilege of believers ; '' They shall not 
abide in darkness.^' 1st. They shall not abide in mental 
darkness : 1 Pet. ii. 9. Their former darkness is passed 
away. 2d. They shall not abide in spiritual darkness. 
Faith in Jesus delivers the soul from guilt and condem- 
nation; purifies the heart, and fills it with peace and jojr^ 



200 TO CONFESSING CHRISf. 

*' He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: hut whoso confes- 
aeth and forsaketh them sliall find mercy." Prov. xxviii. 13. 

Men who indulge in sins, seldom want an excuse for 
their sins : and though they may be naked themselves, 
they will strive to find a covering for their sins. ''He 
that covereth his siiis,^^ denieth the Saviour; and cover- 
eth his shame, that will, sooner or later, cover him : Dan. 
xii. 2. Sins covered cannot be pardoned ; and, there- 
fore, the expectation of the most artful sinner shall as- 
suredly be cut off: Prov. x. 28. Are you convinced of 
your sins? is their burden really grievous ? if so, remem^- 
ber, that hiding a wound w^ill never cure it. Go and 
confess your sins, to that God against whom you have 
committed them. Confess that you stand in need of an 
Almighty Redeemer, a Divine Physician, just such an 
one as is Jesus Christ; plead his merits ; and do not 
despair of obtaining mercy. But be sure you forsake 
every sin ; for one leak will sink a ship, if it is not soon 
stopped; and one sin, unforgiven, would ruin the soul. 
Confess Jesus Christ to be your only Saviour ; for it is 
he alone that raises dead sinners, from the death of sin, 
unto a hfe of righteousness: Eph. ii. 1, 2. Uncover 
your sins, lay them all at his footstool, remind him of his 
promise, plead its fulfilment, 1 John i. 9, and you may 
depend upon finding mercy : Isa. Iv. 7. 

Christ is the only Fountain opened for sin and un- 
cleanness ; none other can wash away cur guilty stains : 
Zech. xiii. 1 : and no other Physician can heal our 
wounded consciences. Having confessed, and forsook 
your sins, be careful not to return to them again. And 
remember, that whatever else you may apply to your 
diseased soul, beside Christ, will do you no good : Acts 
iv. 12. Jesus is the only remedy, a never-failing remedy, 
and must be applied by faith : Acts xvi. 31. There is 
but one atonement for sin ; but one advocate between 
God and sinners ; but one Jesus to save sinners ; but 
one' Spirit to sanctify sinners ; and but one way of saving 
sinners. To be saved from sin, w^e must confess and 
forsake sin ; confess and cleave to Christ the Saviour of 
sinners ; plead his merits, and obey his commands. 
Faith inspires prayer ; and prayer brings courage to th@ 
heart : Ps. iv. i. 8. 






TO CONFESSING CHRIST. 201 

** Whosoever therefore shail confess me before men, him will I 
'6onraii« aido before ray Father which is in heaven/' Matt. x. 32, 

There are many who confess Christ in words, who 
deny hiiu in works ; who know much, but do little ; 
who talk about heavenly things fluently, while they 
pursue earthly things eagerly : and have a fair outside, 
but a foul inside. But all such wear their religion as 
they do their clothes ; all without and none within : 
Matt, xxiii. 27, 28. To " Confess Christ before men^^ 
we must, notwithstanding danger and opposition, openly 
profess and adhere to his truths and ordinances ; and 
not fly from duty even to save life: Matt. x. 37 — 39. 
We profess our faith in Christ by suffering his will ; as 
much as in doing his will : Rom. viii. 17. And what 
Christ has made our daty here, will be our highest honor 
hereafter. ^^ Him will I confess also before my Father J^ 
If we are not ashamed of our relation to him before 
men, he >vill not be ashamed of his relation to us before 
God. '' Him will I confess " as one of mine; as one 
of my particular friends ; as one who loved me, and 
was beloved by me. He confessed me, when it cost 
him hard service ; and ''• I will confess him " when it 
will do him good service X Rom. x. 9. I will put in a 
good word f<3r him, as having owned my cause openly, 
and bor.ie my cross faithfully ^, while " I will confess 
him publickly." In opposition to the pride of human 
reason, the true believer confesses Christ to be tha;t 
^^ Word which was with God and was God : " John i, 
1 — -3: and unequivocally acknowledges him to be the 
mighty Maker of all things : CoK i* 16 : ^' God mani- 
fest in the flesh:'' 1 Tim. iii. 16. He feels a lively 
concern for the extension of the gospel of Christ, who, 
in a scriptural sense, confesses Christ ; and manifests 
this pious zeal by owning, adhering to, and aiding the 
followers of Christ : John xiii. 35 : by administering 
affectionate and seasonable reproof to the ungodly : 
Eph, v. 11 : by exhibiting to the world an example of 
Christian excellence: Matt. v. 13 — -16: and by suf- 
fering wrong, rather than doing wrong : Acts xx. 23, 
24. If you confess Jesus truly, in your day, he will 
confess you really, in his day. This gracious declarar 
tion is a cheering consideration, a sweet consolation. 
18 



202 TO REPENTANCE, 

" The Lord your God i» gracious and merciful, and will not turn 
away hid face from you, if you return unto him." 2 Chron. xxx. 9» 

The world in which we live is a world of sorrow, in 
consequence of being a world of sin ; and it is a caus'e 
of great sorrow, that we see so little sorrow for sin m 
the world: 2 Cor. vii, IG. Sin bhnds the eyes to the 
love of 'God, and hardens tlie heart againsi his fear ; it 
makes the spirit become stout and rebellious ; and causes 
the sinner to shake off convictions ag a dteep does the 
rain. Are you led to discover the exceedinsj sinft^nes^ 
of your sins? — If so, it is because '' The Lord your 
God is gracious ; " for it is He, who, by his word and 
Spirit, hath convinced you of your sins :- John xvi. 8, 
He has also appointed the means of your salvation from 
sin ; and requires and encourages your repentance ; Joel 
ii. 13. Beware of those, who, by their laughing or 
frowning, would put you out of the way of salvation : 
Prov. xiv. 9. Bear in mind, that your sins were com- 
mitted by a poor uno;rateful w^orm, against the mfinitely 
good, omnipotent King of heaven ; and that it is he 
who breaks the heart for sin ; and follow the example 
of the noble Bereans : Acts xvii. II. Look in that 
correct glass, and you will there see the awful, but true, 
picture of every man, as he is in a state of nature ; and 
also of those who have' been changed by divine grace. 
But do not let a sight of your alarming condition by 
nature and practice, sink you into despair ; for '' He is 
gracious and merciful : " He delights in pardoning 
penitent sinners ; '' and ivill not tium away his face 
from youJ^ You have long turned your back upon 
him ; but he will not turn his back upon you ; no ; for 
he has wounded, and he will heal ; '' if you return unto 
him : ^^ Hos. vi. I. liook to him who bore our sins in 
his own body on the tree ; by whose stripes we are 
healed : 1 Pet. ii. 24. 

Look upon him whose pityinof look broke unfaithful 
Peter's heart : Lukexxii. 61. Turn your eye toward 
'the reeking cposs on wdiich your Saviour hung, with 
your sins in his body ; view him sweating, groaning, 
bleeding, dying, and praying for you ; and then say, 
can you doubt his willingness to save you ? Ps. Ii. 17. 
He xlid not turn away his face from the dying penitent. 



TO REPENTANCE. 203 

'^Eepent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be 
blotted out." Acts iii. J9. 

Sins unrepented of, are sins unforgwen ; but sins 
pardoned are sins blotted oi^t-: Isa^ xHt. 22. Repent- 
ance and conTersion are now, by many, considered to 
be very unfashionable doctrines, which ho nninister, 
mindful of his reputation will care to preach : nor any 
one desirous of living in ^ase and security will be dis- 
posed to hear. However, it was the uniform practice 
of the first ministei^ of the gospel, to give them a 
prominent place in all" their discourses, whether men 
would bear it or not. So it was wkh Paul : Acts xx. 
21 : and such was the conduct of Peter, on tiie day of 
Pentecost : Acts iL 38: and again in t4ie words before 
Hs. Observe. 

1st. "The change prescribed as necessary to pardon. 
Repentance, from its very nature, supposeth past mis-- 
conduct ; for wdiere there has been no misconduct, 
repentance is not only unnecessary, but impossible. AH 
have sinned ; and all are called upon to repent : Rom, 
V. 12. ^^ Repent ye therejore : " for ye have no right 
to expect the pardon of your sins, without repenting of 
your sins : Luke xiii. 3, 5. Sorrow for sin is a happy 
sorrow ; it produces a hatred to sin ; worketh unto life ; 
and without it we have nothing to expect but death : 
Rom. vi. 23. Look upon your sins as those rebels that 
have broken God's law ; murdered his only begotten 
Son ; and ruined your precious soul. Do not r^st satisr 
6ed with the mere hope of doing better for (he time to 
come ; but earnestly entreat the Searcher of all hearts 
to light up the candle of his grace in your soul ; that 
you may clearly see what you really are ; for it is only 
by that light we can discover our own darkness : Eph. 
V. 13, 14. There are many grievous things standing in 
God's account-book against all unconverted sinners. 

2d. The arguments employed to induce men to 
repent : " That ye may be converted ; " turn riglit 
about, from sin to holiness ; turn unto the Lord, 
study his word, call upon his name, &:c., '^ that your 
sins may be blotted out,^^ of the book of God's remem- 
brance : 2 Cor. v. 17. Christ is now watching and wait- 
ing for your repentance, and praying for your conversion. 



204 TO CONFESSING OF SIN. 

** I paid, I will confess my tranpgrespion unto the Lord; and 
thou forguvest tlie iniquit) of my sin." Fs. xjixii. 5. 

David suffered himself to be put to the rack before 
he would acknowledge his sins ; \er. 3, 4 : he held out 
to the last extremity, before he -would surrender. But 
when he did yield, he found that God was more ready 
to forgive, than he was to confess his sins : Jer. iii. 12, 
13. "I said J I will confess wy transgres^sion ;^^ I 
said it, and resolved to do it : I had sinned, both pub* 
lickly and privately, and I determined to confess it fully, 
1 had long tried to conceal my sins, until my conscience 
became so laden with guilt, and armed with vengeance, 
I could take no rest ; and then, '' J said, I will confess 
my transgression unto the Lord '^ " who can either par* 
don or punish me for my sins. When lo ! I had no 
sooner made an honest confession of my sins, than '* ihou 
forgave st the iniquity of my sij^s ; '' and gavest me 
the comfortable assurance that ail my sins xs ere par- 
doned : Ps. ciii. 1-2, 

There is a willingness on the part of man, to ccmmit 
sin ; a readiness on the part of God, to Jbrgive sin ; and 
a reluctancy on the part of the sinner, to confess sin ; 
Lev. xxvi. 40- — 42. Take encouragement, and con- 
fess your sins ; for nothing can harm ycu but ycur sins ^ 
and they, like so many stings of death, v, ill be ever 
wounding and depriving your soul of ease, until you 
make a free and ingenuous confession of them : Job 
xxxiii. 27, 28. Guilt is the sting of sin ; and will 
never allow you a moment's real peace, until it is 
extracted ; but like a never-dying worm, will eat away 
all your happiness, here and hereafter. 

Lose not another minute, but go to God, and humbly 
confess your sins, in faithful, fervent prayer: Prov. 
xxviii. 13. David had no rest while he concealed his 
sins ; for even his silence made him roar all the day 
longj as though he had been under some great bodily 
pain ; when the truth was, it was the disquietude of hU 
soul, the struggles he felt within his own boscm,' that 
was the cause of all his uneasiness. But when he made 
the resolve to cover his sins no longer, and h en est I y 
acknowledged them '^ unto the Loid,'' his roaring was 
6opn turned ijito blessing and praising : Ps. ciii. 1 »— 3. 



' TO CONFESSING OF SIN. 205 

"** The son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, 
and in thy sij^ht, and am no more worthy to be called thy sou. 
But the Father said to, his servants, bring forth the be^st robe, and 
put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. '* 
Luke XV. 21, 22. 

Thk prodigal's rambling from his father's house, shows 
the sinner's wandering from his God. Sinning is a 
departing from God ; and every sin we commit is a long 
step taken from him. Those who 'are slaves to their 
lusts, the world, or the devil, are not long in wasting 
their precious substance ; and then find themselves in 
wretchedness and want: Eecl. ix. 18. But even then, 
rather than return to God, from whom they have so 
shamefully departed, they will hire themselves to do the 
most degrading drudgery, the world or the devil cun find 
them to do: ver. 15. But the prodigaFs reception, on 
his return to his father, shows -the willingness of God to 
forgive all those who confess their sins. ^^ The son said 
nnio him, Father, I have sinned ; " he ha.d made up his 
mind to say so, before he left the swine- trough ; and is 
BOW making good his promise : ver. 1 8. Though his 
kind old Father would not allow him to say so, before 
he ran to him — fell on his neck — and kissed him ; still, 
while his father's arms were entwined around his neck, 
he proceeds as far as, '^ agaijist Heaven, and in thy 
sight, and am no more worthy to he culled thy son'' — 
here the old man kissed away his words, and prevented 
him asking a servant's place, as he had promised : ver. 
19. The Father saw him with eyes of love ; ran to 
him with feet of love ; embraced him in the arms of love 
and pressed his lips with lips of love — and all to show the 
willingness of God to forgive returning sinners ! And 
who can doubt his willingness, after knowing what the 
father said to his returning son ? He does not spurn him 
on account of his rags and wretchedness ; no, '' but the 
Father said^ bring forth the best robe^' that there is in 
the house ; take off his tattered garments, " and put it 
on him ; ''' it is not enough that you clothe him ; but 
robe him ; " and put a ring on his hand, " that h© 
might be known to be one of the family ; and attend tp 
his poor, dusty, sore feet ; see that they are washed an^ 
maiie comfortable, &c. ; fojrhe is my son. 
18* 



206 TO OBEDIENCE. 

** Be strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak ; for youp 
vi'ork shall be rewarded. " Chron. xv. 7. 

Even Satan himself, when he is disposed to speak the 
truth, is constrained to acknowledge, that no one serves 
God for naught : Job i. 9. God does not bring his 
children up in idleness ; for though they are heirs of 
heaven, they must be all workers on earth : Matt. vii. 21. 
We must obey as well as believe ; for though, as 
Christians, we do not work to live, we live to work. " Be 
strong therefore, ^^ in the Lord, and in the power of his 
might: Eph. vi. 10. " Let not your hands be weak^^ 
through fear. Never give place to fear ; for that will 
be sure to weaken your hands ; but the more you strive 
against fear, the stronger you will be ; and the better 
you will be prepared for doing and suffering the will of 
God : Luke xxv. 18, 19. Ycu are not called upon to 
labor without a prospect of reward ; " for your worTc 
shall he rewarded, " God will never suffer any of his 
servants to be losers by serving him ; whenever, or what- 
ever, he commands, it is your business to obey ; '' for as 
much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the 
Lord : " 1 Cor. xv. 58. The Lord will never appoint 
you anything to do, that he will not give you strength to 
perform ; but he does reasonably expect, that we should 
do all we can: Phil. iv. 13. He is our Creator, Pre- 
server, and Redeemer, and surely w^e ought to obey him : 
Mai. i. 6. He is gracious and merciful ; and not only a 
Master, but a Father and friend of all his humble and 
obedient servants ; and hence, though we can merit no 
good thing by our longest and best services, he is gra- 
ciously pleased to accept of our services on his Son's 
account; and promises to each who serve him, ''yowr 
work shall be rewarded, " 

Obedience, not in a legal, but in an evangelical sense, 
is the narrow way that leads to eternal happiness. Ob- 
serve, 1st. Our obedience must proceed li-ora faith ; for 
this is the main principle of the Christian life : 2 Cor. v. 
1. 2d. It must flow from the principle of love ; for '^ this 
is the love of God that we keep his commandments :" 1 
_ John V. 3v 3d. It must be impartial and withcait reserve; 
having a due regard to all his commandments : Ps. cxix. 
6, Exercise piety towards God, and charity towards men. 



TO OBEDIENCE. 207 

" Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into 
the kingdom of heaven ; but he that doeth the will of my Father 
which is in heaven. " Matt, vii. 21. 

Jesus Christ looks upon men according to what they 
are ; and not according to what they say. It will benefit 
us nothing to profess piety, if we practice iniquity : John 
xiii. 17. '^ Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord^ 
Lord/^ with their Hps, but deny me in their hearts and 
lives, ^ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. " Com- 
pliments may do for men, but will never do for Christ ; 
for his religion is in power ; and not in mere forms and 
words : 1 Cor. iv. 20. If Christianity is not a good 
thing, why do we profess it ? and if it is a good thing, 
let us practice it. Let us either obey Christ, or cease to 
call him '^ Lord. " Notwithstanding Jesus Christ is 
really and truly Lord : John xiii. 13 : he will not be put 
off with a mere acknowledgment of it with our lips, 
without obedience in our lives : Matt. xv. 7, 8. He is 
the Lord of glory, and expects us to have regard to 
his glory, as well as our own. He that goes no farther 
in religion, than ''Lord, Lord,^^ will stop short of the 
" Jcingdom of heaven. ^^ Men may be vvell acquainted 
with the forms of religion, who are entire strangers to 
the power of religion. If we do the will of Christ, we 
do " the will of his Father which is in Heaven ; " for 
the will of the Father is the will of the Son ; and his 
Father is our Father, if we are born of him : John i. 12, 
13. And if we do his will on earth, we shall reign 
with him in heaven. But in vain do we talk about faith 
in Christ, unless we obey the commands of Christ : John 
XV. 14. A living faith is a working faith : Gal. v. 6. 
A holy heart will produce a holy life: Jer. vii. 23. 

We are such debtors to God, we can never pay him 
all we owe ; and surely we ought to do the little we can. 
He does not demand a perfect obedience ; he only re- 
quires a willing ohedience : Isa. i. 19. The servants of 
God are all known by their obedience to the will of God^ • 
There are many who know God's will, but do their own 
will ; and who, while they have a head full of religion, 
have a heart full of the world: 1 John ii. 15. A Chris- 
tian is born for heaven, and bound to heaven ; he is now 
^ subject of the '^ Jcingdom of heaven. " 



208 TO SINCERITY AND UPRIGHTNESS. 

*' The prayer of the upright is his delight. " Prov. xv. 8. 

God is so displeased with sin, that he cannot be pleased 
with anything the iinconyerted do ; neither will he accept 
of anything at their hands ;,and while they love sinning^, 
he will pay ix) regard to their praying: Ps. Ixvi. 18. 
But '^ the prayer of the upright is his delight, " The 
Lord has such a peculiar regard for '' the upright^ " J:hat 
isj those who are honest, candid, and sincere, without any 
allowed guile, that their prayer is not only accepted of 
him, but, a delight unto him : 1 Chron. xxix. 17. He is 
so well pleased with them in his Son, that he gives them 
praying graces, works in them by his Spirit, stirs them 
up to pray, accepts of their requests, and delights in doing 
them good : Jer. ix. 24. The enemy of souls will do 
all lie can to keep ^' the upright " from praying; and 
when he cannot succeed in that, he will strive to per- 
suade them, that their prayers were so cold and formal, 
and their minds so wandering, while in prayer, that God 
has not heard them ; and therefore, to expect an answer 
to them is altogether useless: Isa. xlix. 14. Do not be 
discouraged, though you may see much amiss in yourself; 
but remember, it is the sincerity of the heart, and not its 
wanderings, that God looks at, and is pleased with: Ps. 
xi. 7. Persevere, watch, and pray : and you will shortly 
find to your comfort that God has heard your prayer, by 
his giving you a gracious answer, a fresh token of his favor, 
-and abundantly blessing your soul: Ps. Ixvi. 19. God 
has not only given you leave to pray, but a command to 
pray ; yea, and a heart to pray. And if you but live 
uprightly before him, you have nothing to fear while you 
can pray : Micah. ii. 7. 

Your enemies, Christian, are all conquered ; though 
experience gives you daily proof they are not all dead. 
Fold not your hands ; you are still in the camp ; and the 
enemy watches every opportunity to take all advantage : 
1 Pet. V. 8. Guard against vain confidence in yourself; 
have faith in God : hope in hira ; and pray to him ; for 
^' the prayer of the upright is his dehght. '' A prayer- 
less soul is ,aji unhappy soul : because it is a Christies^ 
soul. None have free access to God, who live far from 
God ; do Tou therefore live near to him ; and cultirate 
M acquaintance with him : Prov. xi. 20. 



TO SINCE3RITY AND UPRIGHTNESS. 209 

*« Happy is he that condemnelh nat liimself in that thing which 
he alloweth. " Rom. xiv. 22. 

Men, in general, have very weak eyes when they look 
upon their own faults ; but very strong ones when they 
look upon the failings of others : Matt. vii. 3. Some men 
are in the practice of doing what their judgment and 
conscience condemn them for doing ; and they will even 
plead for the doing of it, either because it is customary, 
creditable, pleasurable, or profitable ; while their own 
heart tells them it is condemnable. ^' Happy is he that 
condemneth not himself, " by exposing himself to the 
lashings, and upbraidings, of his own conscience ; by 
doing that which he knows is not lawful for him to do. 
" Happy is he ; " and he alone, who has the evidence 
within, that what he does well pleases God : 2 Cor. i, 
12. If a man has not peace within, in vain does he 
seek it without ; and it is impossible for any man to have 
peace of conscience, who sins against conscience : 1 
John iii. 20. Every one ought to be fully persuaded in 
his own mind, that " that thing which he alloweth " is 
lawful for him to do ; for without such persuasion, to him 
it is sin : Rom. xiv. 23. We should never suffer false 
shame, nor an unbridled appetite, to bring us to a base 
compliance in any thing we believe to be wrong. 

The gospel requires us to be sincere, upright, and 
self'denying ; and whatever we do contrary to the gos- 
pel, must be sin : Heb. xi. 6. We must never try to 
offend men ; but ever try to please God ; and if men will 
be offended at us for doing what God commands, let 
them be offended. For w hoever lives in the neglect of 
known duties, and in the practice of known iniquities, 
God will look upon as his enemies, and treat them as 
such. It is by the constant course and tenor of our 
life, that we may judge ourselves, and not by a single 
act. Wherever God finds an upright man, he will be 
found an upright God, Serve the Lord with a pure 
heart, and then you will delight in his pure words : 1 Pet, 
n. 2. Make conscience of doing your duty, as far as 
you know it, towards God and man ; let your principles 
be fixed ; and then your rule is certain, your way plain, 
and your sincerity will keep you steady, whatever wind 
may blow : Ps. xxv. 21. 



210 TO THE LOVE OF GOD. 

'^ Hf» is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercj 
with them that love iiim. " Deut. vii. 9. 

Sin and Satan, with legions of lusts^ are in the pos- 
session of every unrenewed heart ; but the grace of our 
Lord Jesus Christ implanted, and reigning in the heart, 
will subdue, pull down, and ultimately destroy them : 
Rom. vi. 14. But if we would obtain a full accom- 
plishment of the promises of God, we must know by 
experience, that " Heis our God; " and that we dwell 
in him, and he in us : 1 John iv. 16. '^ He is God ; " 
all other gods are but imaginary and deceitful ; and will 
not be able to afford us any help in time of need. The 
Christian's God is a '^faithful God ; ^' both able and 
willing to make good all his engagements ; and will an- 
swer all demands made upon him by them, agreeably to 
his promises : John xv. 7. " He keepeth covenant and 
mercy ; '' that is to say, he will make known to them his 
mercy, according to the covenant he has made ; and lest 
any should presume on his mercy, it is stated to whom 
he will show mercy ; namely, " to them that love him : 
Ps. xxxvii. 4. God is good to all, even to his enemies ; 
but he is never said to delight in any but them that love 
him : Pro v. viii. 17. It will be in vain for any one to 
hope to be benefited by his promises, who does not love 
him well enough to keep his commandments : John 
XV. 14. 

You have only to know that you love God ; and then 
you inay make yourself perfectly easy about everything 
else. Tliere are none who love not God, but those who 
know not God ; for whoever knows him, sees it right 
that all should love him* Is it not ridit to love a beins: 
to whom we are indebted for that very principle, which 
renders us capable of loving ? Ought we not to love a 
Being who possesses in himself every perfection ? Can 
love allure us ? He so lov^ed us, as to give his only be-^ 
gotten Son to die for us : 1 John i,v.9, 10. Can wisdom 
charm us ? By his wisdom he founded the earth, and 
established the heavens : Prov. iii. 9. Can power awe 
us? He is God Almighty : Gen. xxxv. 11. Is it not 
right to love a Being whose approbation will secure to 
us all that is desirable in time and eternity ? Ps. Ixxxiv, 
11. To love God is advantageous in the highest degree. 



TO THE LOVE OF GOD. 211 

** If any man love God, the same is known of him. " 1 Cor. 
Viii. 3. 

Those who are the greatest lovers of themselves, are 
the greatest enemies to themselves ; and after eves learn^ 
mg they die fools : 2 Tim. iil. 2 — 7. A man may know 
much of God, and yet not love God ; but all who truly 
love him, are beloved of him. Love, like faith, is 
known by its fruhs ; for, '^ If any man love God, " he 
will keep the commands of God : 2 John 6. A heart 
influenced by the love of God, will esteem, desire, and 
delight^ in God in Christ, as his chief good, and sum of 
all perfection and excellence ; and take pleasure in 
obeying his laws ; and delight in holding spiritual fellow- 
ship with all who bear his image ; while he will do good 
unto all men ; even his enemies : 1 John iv. 20. Love 
to God renders its possessor patient under trouble, slow 
to anger, ready to forgive injuries, teaches him to deny 
himself, to mourn over the afflictions of others, to bear 
with their infirmities ; makes a heaven below, and pre- 
pares for a heaven above: Gal. v. 22 — 25. " If any 
man love God, '' he will, not only do others no harm, 
but will do them every possible good : 1 John iii. 17. 
They who love God, in the general, are little and un- 
known, among men ; but, let this comfort your heart, 
the Lord knoweth them : 2 Tim. ii. 1 9. No matter who 
he is, or v/hat he is, '' If any man love God, the same is 
known of him, " He knows their ways and works : Ps. 
i. 6 : He knows their hearts : Jer. xii. 3 : He knows all 
their secret devotions : Matt. vi. 6 : He knows their 
troubles, and how to deliver them : 2 Pet. ii. 9. He 
knoweth all them that love him ; and is a strong hold in 
the day of trouble unto them: Nahum i. 7. "If any 
man love God, " be shall be taught of God : John vi. 
45. All who love the world, are strangers to the love 
of God : 1 John Ji. 15 : and consequently, are not 
" known of him^ '' nor approved of by him. Ifyou love 
God, it is an undeniable proof that God loves^ you : 1 
John iv. 19. And though you may never be worth a 
crown in life, your are heir to a crown of life : 2 Tim, 
iv. 8. God often smiles, whi^e his providence frowns : 
Gen. xlii. 36. You should never attempt to n:easure 
God's love to you by your love to him. 



Si 2 TO T«E LOVE or dURlST. 

«* I love thenl that love me." Prov. viii. 17. 

What a pity it is, that men should love their sitls^ 
and say they love Christ ; while in works they deny 
him ! Titus i. 16. Those who make religion their chief 
good, may depend upon having every good thing with 
their religion : Ps. xxxiv. 9. Christ is a believer's all ; 
and therefore, he loves Christ more than all : Phil. iii. 
7, 8. Worldlings hate them that love Christ ; but that 
does not discourage them, since he declares, '^ I love 
them that love me." O, Christian ! under the heaviest 
of your afflictions, let this be the greatest of your con- 
solations ; your love is not lost ; neither has the object 
of your love forgotten you. Suffer not unbelief, which 
is so injurious to Christ, and so pernicious to you, to 
hide his love from you ; and never forget, that it was 
his love to you drew your love to him : Hos. xi. 4. If 
you love him in sin3erity, be assured of it, he loves you 
in reality. The love of some is like a painted fire ; it 
mav look like it, but has no warmth in it. Manv loVe 
for what they can get ; but Christ loves for what he 
can give. 

Could the sun be hindered from rising, that could not 
prevent Christ, the Sun of rifjhteousness, from rising and 
shining upon his lovers : JNIal. iv. 2. You may some- 
times be brought into doubts, and thick clouds may hide 
your Saviour from you for a\\'hlle ; and while you mourn 
his absence, you may be ready to conclude that you do 
not love him, or you could not feel so ; but that is only a 
temptation ; for if you did not love him, you would not 

Ions: to see him. To a behever in Christ, there is nothing: 

. . . . ® 

so desirable as Christ ; for in possessing him, we possess 

all that is desirable in him : 1 Cor. iii. 22, 23. Beauty, 

bounty, riches, honors* peace, healthy life, happiness, 

heaven, and every other good thing we have in Christ: 

Prov. viii. 18, 19. All the treasures of the East, the 

gold of the West, the pearlsof the North, and the spices 

of the South, are altogether worthless, when compared 

with Christ. All, all that is lovely, centres in hirr#^ 

Christ possesses the glory of the Father, the holiness of 

Angels, the comliness of Saints, the treasures of Heaven, 

the fulness of God : Col. ii. 9. '' It pleased the Father 

that in liim (Christ) should all fulness dwell : Col. i, 19. 



TO THE LOVE OF CHRIST. 213 

^^ He that lt)velh me shall be loved of my Father, and I will Iov« 
him, and will manifest myself to him. " John xiv, 21. 

Christ lived to teach us bow to live ; and died to 
teach us how to love. If we have the honor to be the 
disciples of Christ, we must labor to keep the commands ~ 
of Christ ; it is not enough that we read them — hear 
them — -know them — * we are expected to c?o them : 
John XV. 14* Think, Christian, of the teveliness, the 
comeliness, the richRess, the preciousness, the goodness, 
the beauty, the majesty, the excellency of Christ I and; 
then, listen to his charming voice. '' He that loDethme 
^hallhe loved of my Father. " God will love him as a 
Father; and Christ will love him as an elder brother. 
He shall have his Maker's love and his Saviour's love ; 
and both these loves are the comfort and crown, the 
grace and glory, of all that sincerely love the Lord 
Jesus Christ. Such is the great love the Father bears 
to the Son, that he loves all them who love him : 2 Tim. 
iv. 8. Precious Saviour ! How he labors to o^ain our 
love ! he offers two loves for one ; '' he that loveth me 
shall be loved oi my Father^ and I vnll love him ; " and 
he shall have the fruit and benefit of my love ; for " I 
will manifest myself to him ; " so that he shall have a 
sense of my love. Christ manijests himself to those that 
love him, as he does not unto the world ; by enlightening 
their minds to know that he loves them ; by strengthening; 
their graces, and brightening up their evidence of an in- 
terest in his love. He loves them so well, and is so 
tender of them, that every injury done to them seems to 
go to his heart: Acts ix. 4. 

Consider what the "Father''^ hath done in order to se- 
cure our love to his Son. He loved us when we were his 
enemies, and had no disposition to love him ; and gave 
full proof of his love towards us, in sending his Son to 
save us : 1 John iv. 10. Call to mind what Christ has ' 
done for us, and the great obligations he has laid us under 
to love him — bear in mind what he is still doing for us ; 
and then say, does he not deserve our love — our all ? 
Christ's love extends to all them that lov^e him ; his 
love, like the sun's rays, reacheth East and West, North 
and South, on bond and free, rich and poor, high and 
low. He loves at all times, under all circumstances. 
19 



214 TO TRUSTING IN GOD. 

« Trust ye in the Lord r=rever ; far in the Lord JEHOVAH is 
everlasting strength." Isa. xxvi. 4. 

Man, born to trouble as the sparks fly upward, and 
surrounded with infirmity, finds his need of foreign help ; 
but unhappily he seeks it where it is not to be found ; 
and reposes on the creature. Attend, 

1st. To the exhortation given : " trust in the Lord 
for ever, "^^ To trust in the Lord, is, to confidently 
expect that he will do for us, in time and in eternity, 
whatever he has promised in his word : Ps. Ixii. 8. And 
it is the character and com tort of the people of God, 
that they endeavor at all times, and under all circi>m- 
stanres, to put their trust in the Lord ; so that whatever 
befalls them, or whoever threatens them, they are ena- 
bled to say, '• None of these things move me : " Acts 
XX. 24. Whatever others may trust in, let it be your 
steady resolve to " trust in the Lord ; " for whoever 
will deal with him must do it on credit : Prov. xvi. 20. 
'^ Trust ye in the Lord forever ; " in storms, and in 
calms ; in adversity, and prosperity ; in reproach, and 
in honor ; in sickness and health ; in life and in death. 
Depend on his wisdom for direction ; on his power for 
protection; on his grace, for salvation; and that, not 
only when his providence smiles, but forever. Never 
put that confidence in yourself, nor any other creature, 
which should be placed in the Lord : Jer, xvii. 7, 8. 

2d. The encouragement offered ; '' in the Lord 
JEHOVAH is everlasting sirength.^^ Infinite are the 
blessings, and most precious the promises, that abound 
in the word of the Lord to those v/ho trust in him. 
There is a firm foundation laid for your faith. Christian, 
in him who was, and is, and is to come ; and having 
your house built upon him, a rock that can never be 
moved, you may rest in it securely, and smile at every 
storm : Matt. vii. 24, 25. If you would trust in God 
truly, you must trust in him only : Nah. i. 7. In him, 
and from him, you will derive everlasting strength ; that 
will bear you up under all your trials, bring you through 
nil your troubles, carry you through death, and set you 
down in everlasting life : Isa. Ivii. 13. Sense opposes 
faith ; hence, the Lord is too frequently forgotten, and 
the mind remains troubled with distracting cares. 



TO TRUSTING IN GOD, 215 

<* We trust that he will yet deliver us." 2 Cor. i. 10- 

Yes ! and good cause we have for so doing ; for we 
have trusted in him so often, on former occasions, and 
having neyer fousd his promise once to fail us,, we are 
lepcQiiraged to make another venture upon him: Ps. 
cxxv. 1. ^ We have been in many straits ; bowed down 
with many cares ; perplexed with many difficulties ; 
surrounded with many dangers ; but He always deliv- 
ered us ; and " we trust that he will yet deliver us : " Ps. 
lyL 4. After having been brought through so many 
troubles, we should greatly reprioach .ourselves, were we 
to doubt his goodness in future troubles : Isa. xxv. 9. 
For surely past experience ought to encourage us tp 
future dependence : Ps. xxvi. I . He has been with us -— 
he still is with us — and says he will be with us to the 
€nd : Matt, xxviii. 20. When our experience says, He 
has delivered — -he does deliver — let our faith say, '' We 
trust that he will yet deliver: " Ps. xxxiv. 8. All the 
strange, dark, deep, and changeable j)ix)vidences Chat be«- 
iievers meet with, are designed to lead them to trust in 
God ; and shall further them in their way to heaven. 
Infinite wisdom and lov^e so orders all things here below, 
that they now work for their real, internal, and eternal 
good ; Rom. viii. 28. Dayid met with many rugged ^provr 
idences ; and ail contributed to bring him to the throne. 
Daniel and his three hrethren, met with some very 
■uncomfortable providences ; but they all led to their 
advancement. So every tvy'mg providence that believers 
meet with in this life, being sanctified, shall be instru* 
mental in raising their affections to heaven; that they 
inay live in the enjoyment of God^ 

But it should ever be borne in mind, that none can 
be truly said to trust in God, who do not make use of 
all the means appointed by God ; and then leave with 
him the event : Ps. xxxvii. 3. When troubles and 
afflictions befall you, always recollect that God designs 
neither to ruin nor destroy you; but to do you good; 
and il you did not need them, he would never send 
them : Deut. viii. 2. You should always look at the 
latter end of your troubles, and not at the beginning ; 
for a Christian, like gold, shines brightest after rubbing; 
James v. Ih '' He ivill yet deliver u$/' 



216 TO HOPING IX GOD. 

** It is good that a man shauld both hope and quietly wait for the 
salvation at" the Lord." Lam. iii. 26, 

Real religion is a living principle. A man may be 
called a Christian, and think himself a very good one, >\ hile 
he is not one : so may a Christian be called a Deceiver, 
and be tempted to believe that he is one. when he is 
not. God gives his children sorrow on earth, that he 
may lead them to a crown in heaven ; and a Christian 
may as well try to examine the face of the moon while 
under an eclipse, as to attempt to try his own state 
while under temptation : Heb. xii. 6. " It is good thai 
a man should hojpe:' since he hopes for that which is 
good ; and the gooil that a believer in Jesus hopes for, 
sm'passes every other good : Ps. clvi. 5. We hope for 
a kingdom ; Luke xii. 3*2 ; and are sure that we shall 
never be ashamed of our hope : Rom. v. 4. The rich 
trade of hope is carried on in the other world. Here 
we are despised and debased — there we shall be 
admired and exalted : Ps. xxxi. 19. '• It is good that 
we hope ; '' because the good that v/e hope for is at our 
journey's end : and we have in hand an earnest of the 
hoped-for good: Eph. i. 13. '• It is good that we 
hope ; '^ because it is possible to obtain the good hoped 
for ; and the prop that supports our hope, is the unsha- 
ken word of that God ^^ hose mercy is infitiite. 

'•'It is oood *' also, that we --wait,'' as well as hojje, 
''for the salvation of the Lord,'' We must hope that 
the promised good will come : and irait till it does come : 
though it may appear to tarry long : and our trials be 
very great : still we must not grow impatient, but •' gui- 
etJy'' wait its arrival : Isa. xxvi. 3. Be not discouraged ; 
the Lord will not leave you to grapple with your conflicts 
alone : it is true, the flesh is weak ; but Hope \\ axes 
valiant in fight ; and assures itself of certain victory: 
Heb. vi. 11. Call to mind what God has already done 
for you. and that will encouras:e your hope in all he has 
promised to do : Isa. xxx. IS. Take God at his word. 
Have you not found his wokd a guide to lead you ; a 
STAFF to support you ; a cordial to cheer you ; medi- 
cine to heal you ; and food to strengthen you ? Has 
not his tvord stood by you when friends have forsaken 
you ? and been your best friend in the worst of times ? 



. 1D0 HOPING IN dOD. ^11 

"We are saved by hope. " Rom. viii. 24. 

Heaven in hope, is worth more than the World in 
hand : Matt. xvi. 26. Our present sah^ation from sln^ 
and its consequent guilt, is hy grace through faith : Eph. 
ii. 8 : and by faith our spiritual life is maintained : Rom., 
i. 17. But with regard to the future, ^' We are saved 
hy hope ; " we cannot hope for that which we already 
possess ; '^ for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope 
for?'' Hope is a pleasing expectation of something 
good. The Christian's hope is a firm expectation of the 
good things promised in the Scriptures of truth ; and is 
distinguished from worldly hopes, 1st. By the excellency 
of its object, which is eternal : Col. i. 5. 2d. By the 
stability of its foundation ; God's eternal truth, un- 
changeable love, and almighty power : 2 Tim. i. 12. 
3d. By its purifying or cleansing nature : 1 John iii. 3. 
Our present expectation of future glory is supported by 
hope : 1 Cor. xv. 19. What a blessed companion is 
HOPE ! It bears up our spirits under all sorts of suffer- 
ings ; carries us joyfully through all our difficulties ; and 
points us to our journey^s end, where pleasures immortal^ 
and joys eternal, await us at God^s right hand : Titus i. 
2. " We are saved by hope ; '^ for where there is a 
certainty of hope, there is also a certainty of salvation : 
Ps.. cxlvi. 5. Hope and Faith are inseparable compan- 
ions, and are constantly talking about things not seen. 
Faith is the evidence, and Hope the expectation of those 
things: Heb. xi. 1. A good GT)d has promised good 
things, which Hope fastens upon as its object ; but those 
who have no true faith have no such hope ; for hope is 
a daughter of faith: Rom. v. 1, 2. The believer in 
Christ, while in this world, has to suffer, labor, toil, and 
strive ; while hope comforts him by leading his expecta- 
tions into the other world ; where sorrow, pain, and 
death can never enter: Rev. xxi. 4. All who have a 
good hope of glory, have Christ dwelling in them the 
hope of glory : Col. i. 27. 

Cheer up, believer! and ^^ hope thou in God, for thou 
shalt yet praise him : " Ps. xlii. 11. Live near to God ; 
hang upon his promises ; cleave to his truth; hold fast 
to his faithful word ; never part with the truth ; keep the 
TRUTH, and the truth will keep you. 
19^ 



218 TO RESISTING TEMPTATION. 

"Whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered." Prov. 
xxxviii. 26. 

Whatever sin the heart of man is most prone to, 
that the devil will be most sure to help forward. If 
Judas is covetous, Satan will put him upon selling his 
Lord. He is careful to suit his temptations to our dis- 
positions and circumstances ; but whatev^er might be his 
means, he has but one end ; hence, when a soul is turn- 
ing from him to God, he is more than ordinarily busy. 
But a man may as well attempt to count the drops of the 
sea, and number the sands of its shore, as reckon up all 
the devices of Satan ; but he is too skillful a pirate to 
attack an empty ship. All who are sainted are sure to 
be tempted ; and all who endure temptation are sure to 
be blessed : James i. 12. Remember, that the devil 
Can go no farther than the length of his chain ; and that 
whenever you are tempted to evil^ it is not of God ; but 
it is the Devil working upon your own sinful lusts and 
corrupt passion?, to entice you to sin : James i. ]3, 14. 
And all you have to do, is to keep off the Devil's ground ; 
and resist his temptations in the strength of that grace 
which God supplies, and you '- shall he delivered : " Jas, 
iv. 7. When you are in straits, you will be tempted to 
distrust ; and when in trouble, to despair ; and his con- 
stant aim will be, if possible, to dash you to pieces on 
one or other of those fatal rocks. Presumption or Despair ; 
but let this not distress you ; for '^ whoso walketh uisehj, 
shall be delivered. " See to it, that ye w alk wisely ; 
and never put yourself in the way of temptation, by 
effecting wicked company, to keep wicked society. Sa^ 
tan has ruined thousands, by inducing them to associate 
themselves with foolish and vain persons. ^^ Have no 
fellowship with the unfruitful v>orks of darkness, but 
rather reprove them:" Eph. v. 11. As- a mariner 
would shun sands, rocks, and shelves, so should you 
shun the society of wicked men : Prov. iv. 14 — 16. 
Afflictions are called temptations ; but there is no danger 
of those harming you ; therefore, your wisest plan will 
be to submit to thtm : See Gen. xxii. 1, and Heb. xi. 
17. When God tempts you, that is, tries you, it is a 
jsure sign that he loves you : 1 Pet. i. 7. But when 
Satan tempts, it is that he might devour ; 1 Pet, y. 8. 



TO RESISTING TEMPTATION. 219 

" He that endureth to the end shall be saved. " Matt. x. 22. 

Christianity is not talking of Christ ; but walking 
after him. Christ has many to follow him in a calnrr^ 
who fly from him in a storm. Trials, sore afflictions^ 
and persecutions, are called temptations ; and some, in 
consequence of temptation, endure but for awhile ; and 
then leave Christ and his cause to shift for tliemselves : 
Luke viii. 13. Withered leaves soon fall off in windy 
weather; so do dry professors in time- of temptation. 
'^ But he that endureth^^ temptation, as gold does the 
fire, shall lose nothing by it, but what the gold loses ; 
the dross. In the sorest of temptations, a believer has 
his consolations ; for he knows there will be an end to 
them ; and, that,, '' he that endureth to the end shall be 
saved : " .Job. iii. 17. And as they are not everlasting^, 
they shall not be so very distressing, but what we shall 
be able to bear them ; yea, and endure them to the end : 
1 Cor, X. 13. Prosperity is more to be dreaded than 
adversity. 

A tempted condition is never a pleasant one, but al- 
ways a profitable one ; if we endure it to the end : Heb. 
xii. 11. Christ was tem.pted, and knows well how to 
succour those who are tempted : Heb. ii. 9 — 18. Never 
yield to temptation when it comes from the enemy ; but 
boldly resist the temptation, whatever rniglit be its name 
or nature ; and you shall be saved from the power of 
your adversary ; while others are taken captive by him 
at his will : 2 Tim. ii. 26. It is a blessed thing to endure 
what we cannot cure : James i. 12. Temptations to 
sin are not evils, unless we are overcome by them ; no 
matter how evil the thought may be that enters the 
mind, it is not sin till it is indulged ; then, and not till 
then, it becomes a sinful thought ; and, if not resisted^ 
it grows to a sinful desire; and that desire, without re- 
sistance, would become actual transgression, the first 
favorable opportunity. Be not discouraged ; fly to the 
Lord for refuge. He will strengthen you in the conflict ; 
and when the enemy comes upon you like a flood, he 
will not suffer you to be borne away ; but will lift up a 
standard against him: Isa. lix. 19. The more profitable 
and more pleasing sin might be presented, the more vig- 
orous must be your resistance against it. 



220 TO THE FEAR OF GOD. 

" It shall be well with them that fear God. " Eccl. viii. 12. 

Some men use spectacles to behold other men's sins, 
rather than looking-glasses to behold their own crimes ; 
and can more readily see a mote in the eye of another, 
than a beam in their own : Matt. vii. 3. But all is not 
well that looks well ; neither is all ill that looks ill. A 
man may look like a bright saint, and be a great sinner. 
Many who spend their days joyfully, end them miserably. 
Outward circumstances are not always good evidences: 
Heb. xii. 6. The fear of God is here put for the 
whole of religion : and is the same as the love of God 
under the Gospel : Matt. xxii. 37. A man who truly 
fears God does not dread him ; but loves him so well 
that he is afraid to sin against him : Gen. xxxix. 9. 

-' It shall be v>ell with them that fear God ; " it ever 
has been well with them, and must continue to be well 
with them ; for God was never displeased with anythin^^ 
but sin ; and they having forsook sin, have no evil to 
fear. The fear of God inspires its possessor with confi- 
dence in God, in poverty: Ps. xxxvii. 3 : firmness of 
mind in sickness : Ps. xli. 3 : courage in time of danger : 
Acts XX. 24 : and with a holy assurance in the time of 
temptation : 1 Cor. x. 13. Under every circumstance, 
and in every condition, living or dying, it must, yea, '^ it 
shall, be well with them that fear God : " Isa. iii. 10. 
Those who fear God are such as have believed the record 
given of the Son of God : 1 John v. 10, 11 : all such 
are bom of God: John i. 12, 13 : and are the sons of 
God : 1 John iii. 1, 2. Sin makes a man a cow^ard ; but 
the fear of the Lord inspires him with courage : Prov. 
xxviii. 1. 

Fear God, by cherishing suitable and requisite dispor 
sitions of heart towards him ; as contrition on account of 
past sins: Ps. xxxviii. 18: confidence in his unbounded 
mercy : Ps. xxxiii, 22 : and a grateful recollection of his 
manifold benefits : Ps. xlviii^ Consecrate yourself to 
him: I Cor. vi. 19, 20: let him have all your influence 
ia your family : Josh. xxiv. 15: and among all your 
connexions : Ps. xxxiv. 4, 8. In doing this, strive to 
promote the interests of Christ's kingdom : Ps. cxxii. 6 : 
and cheerfully serve mankind for God's sake. Do all tbe 
good you can^ but aever trust in your good doings. 



TO THE FEAR OF GOD. 221 

" In every nation, he that feareth him and worketh righteous- 
ness, is accepted with him." Acts x. 35. 

Outwardly devout and openly profane, are all upon 
a level before God, in point of justification : Ps. cxliii. 2. 
To hate God and work wickedness is the natural state 
and practice of all men : Rom. viii. 7. As it is written, 
'' There is none righteous, no, not one: " Rom.iii. 10. 
But God hath made us accepted in the Beloved ; in 
whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgive- 
ness of sins, according to the riches of his grace : Eph. i. 
6, 7. And '' in every nation,^^ kindred, and people, 
" Ae that, feareth him,^^ that is, loveth and serveth him, 
'' and worketh righteousness,^^ be he who or what he 
may, ^' is accepted with himJ^ Our '' fearing God and 
working righteousness " is not the cause, but ihe fruit oi 
our acceptance ; and evinces that we are accepted with 
him : Matt. vii. 17. Blessed, right blessed, are they 
who fear the Lord ; all such have received the Lord 
Jesus and walk in him. The Christian puts on the Lord 
Jesus Christ as his righteousness, hohness, and redemp- 
tion ; he needs no more ; yet he constantly wishes for 
more ; he desires to be with and like unto his God ; and 
he ardently wishes that every individual member of 
Christ's body were now saved from sin. By walking in 
the ^' fear of God " our Saviour, having daily fellowship 
with him, we become more and m.ore like unto him. By 
close walking, constant communing, and freely conversing 
with God, love is maintained in our heart ; and, by virtue 
of which, we are enabled to bring forth the fruits of 
^' righteousness J^ To fear God, we must hate sin, and 
every road that leads to it. 

All who live godly are expected to live neighborly ; 
Matt. xxii. 37 — 40 ; for fearing God and working right- 
eousness," must never be separated : 1 John iv. 20, 21. 
It is not enough that a man saij he fears God ; for God 
will not accept of words without deeds. Neither will it 
suffice that we injure none ; without doing good unto all : 
Matt. vii. 12. U God accepts us, it can matter but little 
who rejects us. And being united to his Son, he accepts 
of us in and through him ; and in him we have our title 
to all the blessings of this life, and that which is to come* 
Your souls happiness lies in union with God* 



222 TO WATCHFULNESS. 

** Happy is the man that feareth alway." Prov. xxviii. 14. 

A CHILD that is constantly afraid of falling walk^ 
cautiously. Let no one think that nian happy who 
Hjever fears ; for none are truly happy but they who are 
truly holy ; and they are always afraid of becoming othei> 
wise ; hence, they retain their holiness the true spring of 
happiness. 

" Hippy is the man,^^ whoever or whatever he might 
be, '' that feareth alway ;" that stands in holy awe and 
sins not ; that reverences the glory, goodness, and author- 
ity of God, and ^' feareth alway " to do that which would 
offend him: Ps. cxliv. 15. Those who would not fall 
into sin, nor be overtaken by sin, must watch against 
sin : Matt. xxvi. 41. '* Happy is the man " who fears 
not only evil, but also, the very appearance of evil ; and 
who, from a sense of his own weakness, watches narrowly 
and constantly his own heart ; and '' feareth " to trust 
to his own strength : Ps. cxlvi. 5. " Happy is the man ** 
who fears sinning more than suffering ; and in the time 
of a calm looks out for a storm ; and is never found 
sleeping when he ought to be watching : Mark xiv. 38. 
When you grow weary of watching, you should shake it 
off by praying. Watch constantly ; keep the door of 
your heart carefully ; and never suffer an enemy to harbor 
there ; for that one may kill you, or let in others that 
would : Prov. iv. 23. Look through your telescope of 
faith ; and you will be able to discover your enemies at 
a great distance. When anything is out of order, get it 
repaired immediately; 1 John ii. L Improve every 
opportunity for praying, as well as watching ; and after 
prayer watch for an answer : Luke xii. 37, 38. Have 
a constant watch over your eyes, your ears, your tongue, 
your heart.. Watch against every evil, and for every op- 
portunity to do good. Let your heart be fixed upon Christ, 
and that will cool your affection for the world, and kindle 
up love to God. Let your eye be much upon self, and 
that will keep you humble ; and always upon Christ, 
and that will make you happy. Keep a narrow watch 
over your own heart, and frequently bring it to a close 
account : Ps. iv. 4. David prayed for a watch to be 
set over the door of his lips ; and it may be, that \{ yon 
had one placed there it would dp no harm ; Ps, cxli. 3. 



TO WATCHFULNESS. 223 

"Blessed is he that watchelh." Rev. xvi. 15. 

Watchfulness comprehends the whole care of a 
Christian hfe. There is no duty erijolned, nor anything 
prohibited by God, but what is for the good of man. It 
is made our duty and privilege to watch, 

Firstj To prevent evil. 1st. We must watch against 
sin. The corrupt inclination of our fallen nature, which 
is called^ '' sin that dvvelleth in us/' is a constant stimulus 
to the actual commission of criixie ; and the objects aroundl 
us may prove unhappy occasions of sin to us, without 
watchfulness: Prov. iv. *23. 2d. We must guard against 
the world. The things of the world are so suitable to our 
corrupt passions and appetites, that, if off our guard, they 
will find way into our hearts and affections. The world 
smiles, and betrays ; kisses, and kills ; and there are a 
thousand-fold more dangers from its smiles, than its frowns. 
Our best defence is to watch against the world, and sin 
n the heart ; for Satan can never harm ils without our 
consent: 1 Cor. vii. 29 — 31. 3d. We must watch 
against the temptations of the devil. He is an avowed 
enemy to all the human family ; and is strong, cunning, 
cruel, aad industrious : 1 Pet. v. 8. And though he 
cannot force] he can work upon our natural lusts, and 
entice : James "i. 14. These foes are combined, and 
must be sharply looked after. 

Secondly. We must watch to do good. 1st. We must 
improve all our talents wisely and faithfully, in the dis- 
charge of every duty we owe to God, our neighbors, and 
ourselves : Matt. xxii. 37 — 39. 2d. We must watch 
for proper seasons to do good. We may say of a work 
done, as well as a word spoken in due season, '' Hoiv 
good is it ! " The matter of an action may be good 
while the beauty of it is lost, through not being well-timed : 
Eccl. iii. 1. And 3d. We must watch to do good in the 
manner appointed. We must do all in the name of the 
Lord Jesus, having an eye single to his glory : Col. iii. 
17. " Blessed IS he that ivatchcth.'' Mark that ! Blessed 
IS he, not blessed shall he be. No : it is in our watching 
we have the blessing ; not for the deed, but in the deed : 
Ps. xix. 11. Constant watchfulness will prove a safe- 
guard against every snare and temptation. Let us watch 
constantly and pray fervently. 






224 TO PRAYER. 

"Who hath God so nigh unto ihem, as the Lord our God it In 
all things that we call upon him for ? " Deut. iv. 7. 

We are poor, indigent, necessitous creatures, full of 
wants ; and God alone is sufficient and willing to supply 
the whole. There are many blessings common to, and 
enjoyed by all, without even asking for: Matt. v. 45. 
But there are others which can only be obtained by those 
who ask for them : Ezek. xxxvi. 37. All men are un- 
der the influence of one spirit or another ; real believers 
are influenced by the Spirit of Clirist ; and all unbelievers 
are under the influence of the spirit of anti-christ. It has 
been made the duty and privilege of all to pray ; and 
certainly the Almighty Father of our mercies would never 
impose a duty upon his poor creatures they were unable 
to perform. " Is any among you afflicted ? let him 
pray : " James v. 13. 

A man who is really afflicted in the want of any thing, 
can always find language to ask a superior for it, if he 
has but a hope of obtaining it. It may frequently hap- 
pen, we may know not what to pray for ; and there may 
be but few who know how to pray as the hypocrites do : 
Matt. vi. 5, 7. But who is there cannot find eloquence 
sufficient for the Publican's prayer ? '' God be merciful 
to me a sinner ! " The dying thief prayed, ''Lord, re- 
member me !" David prayed, '^ Lord, pardon mine iniq- 
uity, for it is great ! " The Cananitish woman prayed, 
^' Have m.ercy u})on me, O Lord, thou Son of David ! '^ 
All these received answers to their prayers ; and so have 
all others who have ever prayed in the same frame of 
mind. Christians cannot live without prayer ; and good 
reason they have to pray." '^ Who hath God so 7iigh 
unto them ? '' no nation, nor people. No people are so 
highly honored ; for '^ the Lord " is not ashamed to be 
called their God: Heb. xi. 16. The Lord is, not only 
nigh them, but round about them : Zech. ii. 5 : and a 
very present help in the midst of them : Ps. xlvi. 1 — 5. 
This is an honor peculiar to praying people ; He is al- 
ways "^ nigh unto them ; " and they have the honor to 
draw nigh unto him : Heb. vii. 1 9. It is our privilege 
to call upon him on all occasions, and under all circum* 
stances, and to consult him in all things ; knowing, that 
*'the Lord our God/^ will prove himself ^faithful God. 



TO PRAYER, 2*25 

^"^ If ye Bbit5e in me, and ray words abide in yon, ye shall ask 
what ye will^ and it sha-il be <3one unto you. " John xv. 7. 

Numerous and great are the blessings enjoyed by 
those who embrace the promises, and live up to the pre- 
cepts of the Gospel. The genuine believer ceases from 
himself; denies himself ; lives no longer to himself; and 
lives by faith ; seeing what, to the eye of sense, is in- 
visible. The branch cannot live if it be separated from 
the vine ; and as we are equally dependent on Jesus, the 
true Vine, for our spiritual Hfe, it is of the utmost impor- 
tance that we remain in him by faith. 

^' If ye abide 171 me, " says the living Vine, from 
whom you derive your sap, life, streno:th, vigor, and on 
Y/hom you must hang in order to be fruitful, '^ and my 
words abiJe in you, " ye shall neither become withered 
nor unfruitful : Ver. 4, 5. Christ is set before U3, and 
offered to us, in his word ; it is in the word that we re- 
ceiv^e him, and by faith embmce him : Rom. x. 6 — 8. 
It is only when we Hve in the exercise of faith in his 
v/ord, that his " words abide in us ; " for where his 
words live there he lives. If his words are in us, to 
rule us ; he will liv^e in us, to bless us. ^' jind- ye shall 
-ask what ye will, " agreeably to those words of his 
which abide in you, and as sure as it is promised, '^ it 
shall be done unto you: " John xiv. 13, 14. Than this, 
we need nothing more ; and can desire nothing more ; 
for we have only to ask and have: Ps. cxlv. 18, 19. 
You need never be at a loss for language when you ap* 
proach the throne of grace, so long as Christ's words 
abide in you ; for you have only to turn his promises into 
prayers ; and such prayers, offered up in faith, must 
prevail : Matt. xxi. 22. To prove successful in prayer, 
you must take nothing with you but Christ and your 
needs ; for anything else will kill faith ; and then you 
cannot please God : Heb. xi. 6. Your duties, privi- 
leges, graces, humblings, and obedience, with all things 
else that are yours, must all belaid low, and Christ alone 
held up ; and then, '' ask what ye will and it shall be 
done unto you. " Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, 
and he shall hear thee : Job xxii. 27. Never was a dis- 
tressed soul more willing to be relieved, than God is to 
answer prayer. 
20 



226 TO PRAYER. 

" They shall call on my namp, and I will hear them ; I will sny 
It is my people ) and ihev shnllsav, ihe Lord is Q)y God," Zech, 
xiii. 9. 

ErERY event that befalls the Israel of God, is over- 
ruled by the God of Israel. He has an eye over, and a 
hand in, all their concerns ; and though he may lead 
them all through the fire, He takes care to leave none in 
it : Isa. xliii. 2. Though they are called to be sufferers, 
they are more than conquerors : Rom. viii. 37. Their 
troubles on the way to heaven, only tend to promote 
their intercourse with heaven. 

'- They shall call en my ncme, '' even when they may 
have no one else to call upon, in the worst of times ; for 
I will give tliem both the will and the povv er .^o to do : 
Phil. ii. 13. IS' either shall they call on me in ve"n ; for 
'^ I icill hear them. ^^ Let \\ho will forsake them, ''I 
will not turn a\^ ay from them, to do them gccd : *' Jer. 
xxxii. 40. When every other door is shut, the door of 
mercy is open ; and v\^hen they have no earthly fiiend 
on whom they may call, they can call upcn God. and 
welcom.e ; ^^ ith the comfortable assurance that he " iciTl 
hear thera:'' yea, an:d answer them too: Ps. 1. 15. 
The loving Father's promise, is the beloved children's 
portion. '• It is I."' saith the blessed J'esus, to hi^ af- 
flicted disciples, "be not afraid.** No matter A\bo dis- 
owns and casts them oft^ the Lord who hates putting 
away, declares, '^ I iviU say. It is 7i:y peoj/le, " whom I 
have loved and chosen, that have called on n:e : and 
1 will let them know that I hear them : by sending a 
speedy answer, testifying that they are '* my people : *' 
Ps. xxxiv. 15. And such will be their joy on hearing 
from Home, and learning that their prayer is answered, 
they will all as one, say, '* The Lord is my God,^' So 
grac'ous souls reply in faith, vrith Thomas, 31Y Lord, 
and MY God I 

IN ever was a tender mother's ear more attentive to the 
cry of her tender offspring, than our heavenly Father is 
to the cries of his dear childien. While you can say, 
^^ 7he Lord is my God, " what have you to fear ? Men 
and angels owe their happiness to those important words. 
How rich the love of God ! it is unchangeably good. 
How transcendant the love of Jesus ! 



TO PRAYER. 227 

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 
iv. 8. 

To praise God for mercies, is the way to increase 
them ; and to bless him for miseries, is the way to remove 
them. There is notliing can harm you, Christian, but 
sin ; and there is nothing can save you but Christ. 
When God created ra^in he placed him near to him; but 
when man sinned, he fell far from him : Eccl. vii. 29. 
All natural evil is the effect of moral evil ; as all evil 
owes its ori^rin to sin. Sin turned the heart of man ta 
enmity against God : Rom. viii. 7: blocked up the way 
to heaven, and opened the gates of death : Rom. v. 12. 
But none need despair ; for '' God v/as in Christ recon^ 
cilin^ the world unto himself; not imputing unto them 
their trespasses : '^ 2 Cor. v. 19. And he '' hath recoa- 
ciled us to himself, '' through Jesus Christ, having laid 
upon him the iniqidty of us all: Isa. liii. G.. So that, 
what we lost in the first Adam, has been redeemed by 
the second Adam : who is the '^ Lord from heaven : '^ 1 
Cor. XV. 4 — ^7. Though all men, by nature, are spiritu- 
ally dead, ''he that believeth on the Son of God hath 
life ; and by faith he retaineth that life : " John lii. 
18, 36. 

It is now your duty and privilege to " draw nigh to 
God^^'' by Jesus Christ, with all thai confidence in which 
a dutiful child wo'^ld approach a kind and indulgent 
father. God is well pleased with you in his Son ; who 
feas settled all disputes ; paid your debts ; mended the 
breach ; and purchased salvation for you ; Rom. viii. 34. 
It matters not how you are debased ; your heayenly 
Father is only waiting to see your return ; throw yourr 
self at his feet, and you shall soon enjoy a sense of h's 
favor: Matt, xxiii. 12. Say not that your case is hope- 
less, in consequence of having wandered so far ; for the 
farther you are off, the sooner you ought to return : Hos. 
xiv. 2. It is your privilege to " draw nigh to God ; " 
for though sin blocked up the old way, Christ has opened 
a new way unto him: Heb. x. 19, 20. '' Draw nigh to 
God " in faithful fervent prayer, in a way of duty ; and 
^^ he will draw nigh to you^^ in a way of mercy : Mai 
iii. 7. Venture now — he will help you — you may be 
faint, but he will revive you ; Isa. Ivii. 15* 



228 TO SEEKING GOB. 

'* Seek ye me, and ye &liaU live. " Amos v. 4. 

There can be no readier way for a man to lose him- 
self, than to seek himself. A man who seeks himself is 
a slave to himself, and of no good to others ; neither is 
there any vice that self-seeking will not lead a man to. 
It led Gehazi to lyino; ; Baah'm to cursing; and Absa- 
lom to seek the rnin of his father ; it led the Pharisees 
to oppose Christ ; Judas to betray him ; and Pilate to 
condemn him. Neither can any man become a disciple 
of Christ so long as he seeks himself: Matt. xvi. 24. 
Sad experience teaches us, that we never gained any 
good by seeking self ; it may be, too, that you need 
not go from home in order to prove the sad effects of 
turning the back upon God, and seeking happiness in 
the creature. But be not discouraged ; for after all that 
thou hast done, though tliou mayest long have gratified 
thy sinful and corrupt passions and appetites, the God 
whom thou hast so long shghted still calls after ihee, and 
says, 

1st. ^^ Seek ye me ! " Do be advised by him : Isa. \y. 
6. Seek to him ; inquire oj him ; and ask him what he 
would have you to do ; whatever others may seek, seek 
ye him : Deut. iv. 29. '^ Seek ye him, " as your only 
happiness, your Portion, and your all ; and never give up 
seeking till you have found him ; Ps. Ixxiii. 25. " Seek 
ye " him without delay ; He is already reconciled to you ; 
and is desirous you should become reconciled to him : 
that you might be happy in him, and enjoy his forgiving- 
love : Ps. Ixx. 4. Seek him according to the directions 
he has given you ; make use of Christ as your only \^'ay : 
John xiv. 6 : the Holy Spirit as your infallible Guide : 
John xvi. 13 : and his word as your unerring rule r 
John V. 39. 

2d. ^' And ye shall live. ^^ The Law has declared you 
cursed ; but Christ hath redeemed you fiom the curse of 
the law ; having been made a curse for you : Gal. iii. 
lO — 13. Jesus hung on the accursed tree with all your 
guilt, and sin, and shame, in his naked, exposed body ; 
and died that you mi,i>ht live. He was wounded for us 
— bled for us — bruised for us -- — striped for us — died 
for us — and rose for us : Isa. liii. 4 — 6 : Rom. iv. 25. 
Aud now he intercedes for us : X John ii. 1. 



TO SEEKING GOD* ^29 

*' He that cometli to God must believe that he is, and that he is a 
rewaider of them that di!ig*^nlly seek him." Heb. xi. 6. 

The sacred Scriptures describe all mankind as sheep 
going astray from the true Shepherd and Bishop of souls : 
Isa, liii. 6. And what is v^ery remarkable, though ev^ery 
one turns his ^' own way, " no one's way ever led him 
back to God ; but, on the contrary, men choose rather to 
stray farther from him; straying on the mountains of 
vanity and error ; till they are compelled by hunger to 
think about returning: Luke xv. 17, 18. '^ He that 
Cometh to God, " that is, hath access to his grace and 
favor, or would w^orship him a3ceptably, "^ must believe 
that he is ; '' not only that there is a God, but, that he is 
such an one as the Scriptures represent him, our Creator : 
Ps. c. 3 : Preserver and Redeemer: Isa. x!v. 21 — 25. 
'^ That he is " the Maker, Upholder, and Lord of all ] 
the one from whom all other creatures derive their bein^; 
and on whom they continually depend: Isa. xl. 15, 22. 

Observe the nature of the faith required on coniing to 
God. 1st. It looks to the promises of God ; though 
seen afar off, it brings an assurance of the:m into the 
mind ; and removes all doubt as to their fulfilment : Rom. 
iv. 20, 2L 2d. It relies upon Christ ; " for in him all 
the promises of God are yea, and in him Amen : " 2 
Cor. i. 20. 3d. It gives us to know that this world is 
not our home ; that here we are strangers and foreigners ; 
having no continuing city : Heb. xi. 13. 4th. By faithj 
with Abraham, we see the day of Christ, and are made 
glad ; we see his second coming to receive us all to him- 
self: John xiv. 3. And 5th. Faith realizes heaven and 
endless blessedness to the soul ; it has hope for its con- 
stant attendant ; and Faith and Hope beget Love, to 
him who ^^ is the rewarder of all them that diligently 
■seek him, " He that believes God to be the Father and 
Friend of all penitent believing souls : 2 Cor. vi. 17, 18-: 
and diligently seeks him, shall assuredly find him the 
*^ rewarder ^^ of such : Isa. xlv. 19. 

Seek him without delay ; be not afraid of consequen- 
ces ; they belong to God ; and whatever you might be 
called to lose, in consequence of seeking him, shall bo 
more than made up by him, Be sober ; and watcli 
unto prayer. 

20=* 



230 TO DESIRE OF GRACE. 

"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that 
hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat, yea, come, buy wine and 
milk without money and without price. " Isa. Iv. 1. 

Let every one who hath ears make use of them ; and 
listen to the gracious invitation here given. 

Consider, 1st. Who are invited; '^ Ho, every one ;'^ 
not the Jews only : Acts xiii. 46, 47 : Jews and Gen- 
tiles ; high and low ; bond and free ; rich and poor ; 
great and small ; learned and unlearned ; Oyes ! Oyes ! ! 
Oyes ! ! ! *' Every one, " old and young. 2cl. The 
necessary quahfication, in order to insure a hearty wel- 
come. " Every one that thirsteth, '' Not those who 
see no need of Christ and his righteousness : Matt. ix. 
12. They must be thirsty, and then they are w-elcome. 
3d. Whither they are invited ; '' To the waters, '^ To 
the ports, quays, and wharves, where foreign commodi- 
ties are brought. To Christ, without whom all the 
blessings now to be enjoyed, through the Gospel, would 
have been foreign to us. Come to Christ and be cleans- 
ed : Zech. xiii. 1. Come to his ordinances and be fed : 
Ps. xlvi. 4. Come and be refreshed : John vii. 37. 
4th. What they are invited to do: '^Come-^-hiy — - 
and eat. " Make it your own on Christ's terms. Come ! 
make no delay ; here is a free invitation and a hearty 
welcome. Buy it on Gospel terms ; part with all rather 
than not obtain it : Prov. xxiii. 23 : and make sure of it 
by eating it: John. iv. 34. Make no excuse. 5th. 
What is the provision they are invited to ; " Wine and 
milk. " Wine will not only quench the thirst, but^ 
nourish and revive you. TJ'^ine, the generous, heart-re- 
viving comforts, brought in the Gospel ; pardon of sin, 
and peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ : 
Eph. i. 7. '' And milk, " the soul-ncurishing doctrines 
of the gospel of Christ : 1 Pet. ii. 2. Buy without 
delay, this precious milk, and heart-cheering wine, that 
you may recover your strength. Drink no longer 
of puddled waters. 6th. The free communication of 
this provision ; *' JBuy without money, and without j^rice,^* 
This is a strange way ; but it is God's way ; and not 
ours : Rev. iii. 17, 18. 

The things offered are already paid for ; and to their 
lull value: 1 Pet. i. 18, 19, 



TO DESIRE OF GRACE. 231 

" Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness : 
for they shall be filled." Matt. v. 6. 

To have a desire for that which is good, is an evidence > 
of something good, and an earnest of something better : 
Ps. cxlv. 19. To thirst after happiness is natural ; it is 
also natural to seek it from wrong objects. " Blessed 
are they " who are panting, pining, and thirsting after 
Christ and his righteousness : Ps. xxiv. 5. It is not a 
cold, formal wish, that will secure the blessing ; but a 
desire like that which a hungry man has for bread ; or 
a thirsty one for water. Christ, the Captain of our salva- 
tion, has brought in an everlasting righteousness ; and 
*^ blessed are they,^^ blessed noiv, who desire to obtain 
that spiritual food to sustain the soul, and drink to refresh 
it. Every good desire is a plant of God's own raising ; 
and every desire after righteousness shall be fed, watered, 
and satisfied. " They shall he filled ^^ with those bles- 
sings they so ardently desire : Ps. cvii. 9. A soul that 
is quickened can no more live without its regular meals 
o{ righteousness, than the body can v/ithout meat and 
drink: Ps. Ixiii. 1. The soul requires daily-grace, as 
much as the body do3s daily-bread ; to enable it toper- 
form its daily-duty. There are those who pant after 
dust, but will never be satisfied ; for it is God alone can 
satisfy the cravings of an immortal soul : Amos ii. 7. 

Blessed are they who know their own emptiness, and 
believe in Christ's fulness ; '^ for they shall he filled^^ 
with all the blessings of Jesus' everlasting righteousness ; 
acceptance with God, and peace from God ; filled with 
all the fruits of righteousness ; with all the graces of the 
Spirit on earth, and all the glory of God in heaven : Ps* 
Ixv. 4. Say, Christian, are you panting after Jesus ? 
Do you see the perfection of his atonement, and the glory 
of his righteousnes ? Is the triumph of his cross, and the 
victory of his death, the foundation of your faith, and the 
support of your hope ? If so, " hlessed are ye : " for 
these are the love-tokens that Jesus bestows. O, the 
delightful intercourse, that subsists between hungry souls 
and righteous Jesus ! Whatever would, or could, hav« 
kept poor, hungering, and thirsting souls from fainting, 
if Jeius had not pronounced them hlessed 1 It is truly a 
btlesseJ hunger, that ends in such a blessed fulness. 



232 TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND CHRIST, 

"1 will set him on high, because he hath known my name." 

Ps. xci. 14. 

Duty can never have too much of our vio-jlance, nor 
too httle of our confidence. The true source of comfort, 
and spring of obedience, is a knowledge of God. A 
knowledge of God's love to us in Christ, received into 
the heart by faith, animates us to be, and to do, what 
the Lord requires in our lives. To know the name of 
God, is to know that by which he has made himself 
known to us by ; as his Justice. Mercy, Goodness, Love, 
Truth, &c. The promises of God are made over, in 
Christ Jesus, to all such as know the name of God : 2 
Cor. i. 20. And all who l.now him are sure to love 
him ; and therefore obey him ; for there are none who 
love him not, but those who know him not : Jer. v. 4. 

A good man need fear no evil ; for though he be 
brought low, God will raise him up. ^- I will set Mm on 
high ; " above the world, and the things of the world. 
Neither men nor devils shall trample upon him ; for he 
is an acquaintance of mine : Rom. xvi. 20. The Lord 
knows them that know him ; has a tender regard for 
them ; and will take the best of care of them : Isa. xxvi. 
3. \i God has given you a heart to know him, it is a 
sure sign that he has good in reserve for you : Jer. xxiv. 
7. Every one who returns to God, is brought to a saving 
acquaintance with him ; and he is so well pleased with 
him, that he declares, ^^ I will set him on high because 
he hath known my name." No man can know the 
nature of God ; but all may know his name. Those 
who know the name of God, are known, 1st. By their 
calling upon his name : Zech. xiii. 9. 2d. By preferring 
him to ev^ery thing else they have any knowledge of: Ps. 
Ixxiii. 25. 3d. By putting their trust in him : Ps. ix. 
10. Whatever you may be ignorant of beside, be sure 
you obtain a correct knowledge of God : John xvii. 3. 
Search for it ; cry after it ; dig deep for it ; and you 
shall obtain it: Prov. ii. 3 — 9. Our happiness, here 
and hereafter, depends on a knowledge of God, and inter- 
course with him: 2 Pet. i. 2, 3. Lift up your heart to 
your Father God — your brother Jesus — in faithful 
fervent prayer ; and whatever you ask agreeably to the 
word of truth is your's : John xiv. 13, 14. 



TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND CHRIST. 233 

" Tliis is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true 
God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." John xvii. 3. 

We should always try the sayings of men by the 
sayings of God ; or we shall know no more of God than 
what men say of him: Acts xvii. 11. The beginning, 
increase, and perfection of Eternal life, lies in a knowledge 
of God in Christ: Titus ii. 13, 14. God gave us our 
being ; in him we have life and well-being : Acts xvii. 
28. But in order to have eternal life, we must have a 
knowledge of God in Jesus Christ: 1 John v. 11. 
When we are brought into union with Christ, we have 
communion with God ; and " this is life eternal,^^ in the 
bud ; and those who reject Christ, reject eternal life ; 
for we can never know God without an acquaintance 
with Christ : John iii. 36. ^^ All we like sheep " have 
strayed from God ; Christ died to bring us bick to the 
Author of our being from whom we have \\ End3red ; and 
redeem all those blessings we had forfeited by our wan- 
dering : Isa. liii. 6. And has m.ade it our djty to love, 
obey, and trust in him ; as our chief good ; acknowledge 
him in all our ways, and do all things to his dory, as 
^' the only true God ; " in opposition to every false God : 
1 Cor. X. 31. 

Had we never have sinned, a knowledge of God would 
have been " life eternaV^ to us ; but in consequence of 
our becoming guilty rebels before him, we can have no 
access to God, but through " Jesus Christ ; " who is the 
only way, and the truth, and the life : John xiv. 6. We 
must realize an interest in the Saviour's death ; obtain 
a knowledge of him as our Redeemer ; and possess an 
evidence of being saved by his life ; in order to enjoy 
^^ life eternal: ^^ Rom. v. 10. It is not said, that a 
knowledge of God, and Jesus Christ, leads to " life eter- 
nal ;" nor, that ''life eternal" shall /b//oi^ that knowledge ; 
no ; but it expressly says, " This is life eternal ; " it 
has already commenced ; the reign of grace is already 
begun ; and will be made perfect in glory : Hiil. i. 6. 
A true savino: knowledoje of God in Christ in the heart, 
ever discovers itself by a holy, loving, and obedient life. 
The new-born soul draws all his comfort, peace, and joy, 
from this never-failing source of consolation ; from hence 
arises his love to God and delight in him. 



234 TO HEARING AND READING THE WORD. 

" Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." 
Ps. cxix. 105. 

We owe the life of our souls to the death of the 
Saviour. But for the Light of the world, we had all been 
in darkness: John viii. 12. The word of God is a /amp 
and light ; it discovers manifold mysteries ; it directs 
men's course ; and comforts their hearts amidst the dark-' 
ness of this world ; it reveals to us things divine and 
eternal ; and guides us to glory and happiness ; Matt, 
iv. 16. Without the word of God, man would be left 
upon a boundless ocean, stormy and dark, whhout either 
compass, quadrant, or chart ; gulphed in obscurity, with 
not a gleam of light to tell him where his brittle bark 
w^ould strike. But God, who is rich in mercy, has not 
left us in this deplorable condition ; the Sun of righteous- 
ness has arisen to enlighten our way across the sea of 
life ; to cheer the darkness that surrounds us, and point 
us to the port of Heaven. 

^' Thy word is a lamp unfo my Jeet.y It discovers 
tmto us that which concerns us most ; and what we 
should never have known without it. It warns us of the 
duties we are to perform ; and the dangers we are to 
avoid : Ps. xix. 11. It guides our eyes, and directs -our 
feet, all through the path of life to endless life : Prov. vi. 
23. It is '^ a light to oar path ; " a lamp trimmed with 
the Spirit ; constantly burning ; and no storms can put 
it out : Ps. cxix. 89. It informs us how all things were 
made — how Man fell from his original happiness ; for^ 
feited the favor of God ; and brought himself, with all 
his posterity, under the curse of a broken law^ : Rom. v, 
12. It illuminates the dreary dungeon of man ; by 
unfolding to his view the plan of Redemption : Gen. iii. 
15. But it should ever be remembered, a lamp will do 
us no good unless we make use of it. The word of God 
must be used ; not only to please our eyes and ears, but 
as a ^^ light to our path ; " to enlighten our understanding, 
and direct us through this world to that which is to come : 
Ps. cxix. 130. God intended when he gave us this 
wonderful " Za?wp," that we should constantly walk by 
the "^ light " of it ; and look well to our steps : Isa. ii. 3, 
The Bible should be our constant study ; our daily 
companion ; and oracle. Read it frequently. 



TO HEARING AND READING tHE WORD. 235 

" Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." 
Rom. X. 17. 

It is of the utmost importance that we have faiili ; 
for without faith it is impossible to please God : Heb. 
xi. 6. Observe, 1st. We must hear in order that we 
might have faith ; for ''faith cometh by hearing ; " and 
is wrought by the Spirit in the act of hearing. There 
are many who hear, that do not believe what they do 
hear ; notwithstanding, those who have believed must 
first have heard that which they do believe: 2 Cor. ii. 
16. A deaf man's ears are of but little use to him. 2d. 
The MATTER- heard, by which saving faith is wrought, 
is, " the word of God ; " and which is called the " word 
of faith ; " because it begets and supports faith : Rom. 
X. 8. Faith is the gift of God : Eph. ii. 8 : but he makes 
use of his word as the instrument, which, on ouv hcarins^, 
works faith ; when we hear it as '' the word of God ;" 
1 Tlies. ii. 13. And, 3d. God has appointed the preach- 
ing of the Gospel as the ordinary means of salvation ; 
^nd faith in Christ is the result of hearing the doctrines 
of God preached ; if heard attentively : Rom. x. 14. 
And the arm of the Lord is revealed in the salvation of 
all who do believe ; though they may be but few : Isa. 
liii. 1. It is not fine, well-formed words, from an eloquent 
tongue, that produces faith ; but " the ivord oj God ; " 
the important and all-concerning truths of the Gospel of 
Christ, in their native dress, brought home to the hearts 
and consciences of those who hear them : 1 Cor. ii. 4, 5. 
Prize the word of God ; make it your own ; press it 
to your heart as a pledge of Heaven, whither it is designed 
to guide you. Make its sacred truths the rule of your 
life ; for hearing and reading will benefit you nothing 
without doing : James i. 22 — 25. Faith you must have 
in order to be saved ; it is indispensible to the possession 
of pure and undefiled religion. 1st. It is a duty divinely 
required : John vi. 29. And the '' word of God " must 
be the ground and rule of your faith. 2d. It is the only 
way of salvation : John iii. 18. It is necessary for the 
attainment of every spiritual blessing, and for the per- 
formance of every Christian duty. 3d. It is an essential 
property of religion. For whatever we might do, if faith 
be wanting, all will avail nothing : Gal. v. 6. 



236 to LOVING THE WORD. 

'* Blessed is the man thatfearelh the Lord, that delighteth greatlj 
in his commandmenrs." Ps. cxii. 1. 

Conversion begins in consideration. The readiest 
way for you to know whether you fear the Lord or no, 
is, to know whether you fear sinning or no ; for the fruit 
is more visible than the root. "^ Blessed,''^ that is. happy, 
truly happy, ''is tlieman^^ whatever may be his condition 
in regard to the things of this life, " that feareth the 
Lord,^^ We need not court the friendship of the world, 
while we can have fellowship with God ; and that we 
truly have, if we delight in, and are governed by, his word: 
I John i. 3. A filial " fear of the Lord " brings with it 
its own reward. A Christian loves the Lord so well, that 
he is afraid to offend hitn by sinning against him ; he 
loves what the Lord loves ; and hates what he hates .; 
and God hates nothing bat sin : Prov. vi. 16 — 19. 

'' Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord ; " he is 
blessed now, God blesses him, and that blessing makes 
him happy, and enables him to continue to fear him ; 
! tliat is, love him too well to sin against him. He is blest 

j with a sense of his love ; his forgiving love ; Isa. xii. 1 : 

I his healing love ; Ps. ciii. 1- — ^^3 : his adopting love : 1 

I John iii. Such an one must needs be blessed ; for he 

has all kinds of blessings ; enough to make any one 
happy: Ps. Ixxxiv. 1], Holiness is the high way to 
' happiness ; yea, it is happiness itself: Rev. xxii. 14. 

All who are happy in the Lord, not only take pleasure 
in, but '- delight greatly in his rommandmentsJ^ They 
keep up an intimate acquaintance with them ; love to 
think of them ; and meditate on them, at all times, and 
on all occasions : Ps. cxix. 97. Whoever fears God, 
as a dutiful child does a fond father, must delight in, and 
be well pleased wit") his commandments. They enjoin 
nothing that is grievous, nor prohibit anything that would 
be good for us. They are perfect ; nothing can be added 
to, nor taken from them : Ps. cxix. 138. They are de- 
signed to bring us back to ourselves, to our duty, and to 
our God : 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. Many have the command- 
ments of God in their heads, and love to talk about 
them ; but they are the only blessed who have them in 
their hearts ; and delight greatly in doing them : Ps.. 
cxix. 165. 



TO LOVING THE WOKD. 237 

^^ As ilew-born babes, desire the sincers milk of tlie word, that 
ye may grow thereby. " 1 Pet. ii. 2. 

None are likely to profit by the word, but those who 
lov^e the word ; and those who love it, will have a de- 
sire after it : Ps. cxix. 127. Believers have to learn 
from the images of nature, the mysteries of grace. The 
God of nature has kindly provided for all nature. The 
new-born babe soon discovers its wants ; and, as if sensible 
of the provision it has brought with it, and which it has 
a natural right unto ; it scarcely breathes the air, but it 
begins to hunt after ^^ the milk, '^ to which its tender ap- 
petite is naturally drawn. While the affectionate mother 
is pleased and delighted to administer to its wants, and 
assists the little hunter in 6nding its desired object ; and 
gazes with a mother's pleasure Upon, v/hile she is im- 
parting nourishment to, her tender infant. But great as 
a parent's love is toward their ofFsprin or, infinitely greater 
is the love of our heavenly Father to his babes in Christ. 

The desires of new-born babes after milk, are ardent^ 
strong, and impatient. '^ As new-born babes, " when 
pinched with hunger, and pai-ched with thirst, manifest 
such an eagerness to obtain milk, so also should every 
child of grace evince a similar disposition by his love 
to, and searching after, '^ the milk of the word. " '^ De- 
sire it, " saith the apostle, '^ that ye may grow thereby ; '' 
feed on it, that ye may be strengthened by it. Nothing 
can satisfy the cravings of the infant like milk ; neither 
will anything satisfy the Christian but Christ ; hence he 
searches the word that testifies t)f him : John v. 39. The 
infant desires the milk just as nature has prepared it ; so 
does the believer " desire the sincsre 77iilk oj the ivord,^^ 
without the least adulteration by art, eloquence, or any 
other mixture of men : Ps. xix. 7, 8. The desires of a 
natural babe are accompanied with endeavors to obtain 
the milk ; a sight of the breast, merely, would not satisfy, 
but rather increase its desires. And such are the active 
desires of a sincere Christian after the word of God, that 
they can never be satisfied without it. Whenever you 
hear the word, '' take heed how ye hear, " lest what you 
obtain be skimmed milk, which has been depriv^ed of its 
nourishing and strengthening qualities. Mind that noth- 
ing is taken from it. See that it is not watered m^lk 
21 



238 TO THE G0VERN3IENT OF THE TONGUE* 

" Whoso keepetli his month and Iiis tongue, keepeth his seal 
from trouhles. " Prov. xxi. 23. 

A MAN has two ears, and bat one mouth ; and should 
never let out at his mouth more than half \\ hat enters 
in at his ears ; he has two eyes, and but one tongue ; 
and ought never to tell all that he knows ; and should 
always think twice before he speaks once : Prov. xiv. 3- 

'- Whoso 'keepeth his mouth, " will watch, not only 
what goes into it, but also what comes out of it ; for we 
are exposed to greater evils from what comes out of the 
mouth, than from what goes into the mouth : Mark. vii. 
20 — 23. It is well to think much and say little ; and 
that man acts with wisdom, who never leaves his mouth 
uno;uarded ; and holds " his ionQ-ue '' with a strono; curb 
and a tight rein. Such an one vvdll save hin^iself from 
many an aching heart ; as well as prevent the reproaches 
of others. The man who knovN^s hcv>^ to speak and 
when to keep silence, evinces a wise head ; and, what is 
still better, '• Iteepeth his soul from troiibJes : " Prov. 
xiii. 3. Many have ruined themselves by their mouth ; 
and with their tongue have cut their own throat : Ps. 
Ixiv. 3, 8. Little words frequently produce great troubles ; 
and, therefore, all who w^ould keep their souls from 
troubles, must keep the door of their lips ; lest their 
mouths should let out troubles : for sometimes there are 
many troubles in one word. When a word has once 
got out of ihe mouth, there is no getting it in again ; 
nor any telling w here it w ill fly ; nor w hat wall be made 
of it, if it has been spoken unadvisedly: Ps, xxxix. 1, 
You would do w-ell to take out all your w^ords and look 
at them before you speak them. Watch your words, 
keep your mouth, bridle your tongue, and examine your 
heart. We should never venture to talk about any one 
we cannot speak well of. Evil words are like poisoned 
arrow^s ; and their w^ound is most fatal when inflicted on 
the back. It is as hard a task for some men to say what 
they ought, as it is for others not to say more than they 
ought. Irratabiiity urges us to say too miuch ; and a 
want of candor too little. Troubles prevented are bet- 
ter than troubles cured. Say the worst you know^ of a 
man, in kindness, to his face ; and the best you can of him 
when absent. 



TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE TONGUE. 239 

*' He that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his 
tongue from evil, and his lips that tiiey speak no guile. " 1 Pet. 
iii. 10. 

The tongue is a very good servant, biU a very bad 
master: Hos. vii. 16. One of the most dangerous and 
pernicious evils that we have to guard against is, an un- 
ruly tongue ; and the snares into which men are brought 
by this little, ungovernable member, are sometimes intol- 
erable to themselves, and ruinous to others : James iii. 6. 

'^ He that will love life ^^^ or what is the comfort of 
life, peace and quietness, " let him refrain his tongue 
jTro/zz ei^^7^ '-speaking ; and carefully avoid slandering: 
Eccl. 5. 6. He that would not embitter his own life, 
and would avoid pulling down troubles upon his own 
head, must keep constant watch over " his lips that they 
speak no guile : " Ps. xxxiL 2. Life without comfort, 
is not worth calling life ; be careful, then, as you love 
your life, to attend to the prescriptions here given ; that 
you may lead a happy life in this unhappy world. '^ He 
■that will love life, " let him so live as to make life com^ 
fortable and desirable : '' Ps. xv. I — 3. If you love 
your life, and would wish to '^ see good days, " to have 
your days peaceable and prosperous, '• refrain your tongue 
from evil; '^ speak evil of no one, though you may be 
g-reatly provoked. Should you ever be in an ill humor, 
never speak till you have allowedyourself time to repeat 
the Lord's prayer ; and have resolved with poor .Job : 
Chap, xxvii. 3, 4. Set a strong watch over your mouth, 
and guard your lips that they speak no guile. Suffer 
not deceit to escape them ; be candid and sincere ; and 
seek peace with all men: Ps. xxxiv. 12—14. Rather 
die than lie. By attending to the mouth and tongue, 
you will not only avoid troubles, but be delivered from 
theuv : Prov. xii. 6, A man shall eat good by the fruit 
of his mouth : Prov xiii. 2. Pleasant words are as a 
honey-comb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones : 
Prov. xvi. 24. Death and life are in the power of the 
tongue : Prov. xviii. 20. By thy words thou shalt be 
justified, and by thy words shalt thou be condemned : 
Matt. xii. 37. Let the constant tenor of your discourse 
evince that you are a Christian. If a man seem to be 
religion Sj and bridles not his tongue, his religion is yaiii.o 



240 TO KEEPING GOOD C03IPAX1% 

" Ble?ised is the mean that wa'keth not in the cownsel of the an- 
godly, nor standeth in tiie way of sinners, nor silteth in the seat of 
the scornful. " Ps. i. 1. 

Good men walk by good rules : and a man may be 
known by the company he keeps : Prov. xiii. 20. The 
ungodly must neither be feared nor followed ; whether 
they be angels or men. Our first parents dearly paid for 
'^ icalking in the counsel of the ungodly : " Gen. iii. Ay 
5. And all who walk in the same counsel are also called 
ungodly men : Jade 4. 

'• Blessed is the man, " blessed now, yea, and he shall 
be blessed, '' that walTceih not in the counsel of the un- 
godly, " We hve in an ungodly world ; surrounded by 
'W7?^06//z/ spiritual enemies : Eph. vi, 12: and ungodly 
men ; who, having cast oil all fear of, and obedience to 
God, are ever ready to counsel others to do as they have 
done : Prov. xvi. 27. The Srst step lov>'aid ruin, is to 
w^alk in bad counsel. Those who take the first step, 
soon learn to take the second : for having laid aside re- 
ligion, and entered into the service of sin and Satan, 
they take up arms against God ; and are found •* stand- 
ing in the ivay of sinners : '^ ready to pursue all man- 
ner of evil, while evil pursues them : Prov. xiii. 21. 
And having stood awhile in the vray of sinners, they 
soon become qualified to take '• the scat of the scorn- 
ful ; *^ and that being placed against the gale of destruc- 
tion, they can step no lower, till they step inside : Prov. 
xix. 29. It is but a short ladder, of thi'ee rounds, frcm 
happiness to wretchedness ; ungodly counsel ; the sin- 
ner's way ; and scorner's chair. Blessed is the man, 
Vvdio shuns both their counsel and their \\ ay ; and the 
surest method to avoid both is, to shun their company ; 
for if we walk v%'ith them, there is a dans^er of listeninor 
to them. He \^ ho walks not in the counsel of the un- 
godly, is not very likely to be found standing in the way 
of sinners ; for v\ hile he refuses to lend an ear to their 
uno^odly counsel, he will certainly not do as sinners do ; 
and by keeping out of the sinner's way, he will be kept 
out of the scorner's seat. Such an one is blessed while 
living ; blessed \\ hen dying ; and shall be blessed forever. 
It is not very difficult to tell what will be the end of a 
man, when we can see the way in which he walks. 



TO KEEPING GOOD COMPAKY. 241 

*' Come out. from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, 
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you; and will 
be a Fatlier unto you. " 2 Cor. vi. 17, 18. 

Walk according to God's direction, and you will al- 
ways be sure of God's protection. Do all that God 
commands ; avoid all that he forbids ; and fear not what 
man can do. Sin is so very infectious, that to mix with 
sinners is dangerous: Eccl. ix. 18. And, therefore, if 
you would not be infected by them, '' Come out from 
among them ; " avoid their company as you would the 
plague ; have no communion with them ; but keep at a 
distance from them: Isa. lii. 11. Never make sinners, 
who delight hi their sins, your com.panions ; for you will 
be more likely to become polluted by them, than they 
will to be benefited by you ; therefore, '^ be ye separate : " 
Prov. xiii. 20, 21. Christ lov^ed sinners, but he was 
separate from them ; he neither did as they did, nor said 
as they said. Sin is such a filthy thing, that none can 
have anything to do with it without being defiled. 
^' Touch not the unclean thing, '^ under any consideration 
whatever. Satan knows how to paint and gild sin over, 
in such a manner as to make it appear like virtue ; but 
still it is unclean. Pride, he calls neatness ; covetous- 
ness, frugality ; drunkenness, good fellowship ; rioting, 
liberality ; gambling, passtime ; and wantonness, a trick 
of youth. " Touch not the unclean thing ; " the gilding 
of pills does not alter the nature of them. Keep no 
company where Christ is not welcome. A Christian 
should not associate with those who would consider it an 
outrage on society to introduce the subject of religion ; 
and whose conversation is such as becometh not the Gos- 
pel of Christ : 1 Cor. xv. 33. If you would not be 
corrupted by them, " come out from among them ; " lest 
you should become one of them. A man standing in 
the sun's rays, soon gets his skin tanned, imperceptibly. 
Was there no other reason, why we should separate our- 
selves fi'om the ungodly, this should be sufficient, '' Thus 
saith the Lord : " Jer. vii. 23. ^' And I will receive 
you ; " let who v/ill cast you off, the Lord will take you 
up : Ps. XX vii 10. ^^ And I v;ill he ct Father untd 
you;^' yea, and a good Father too. No matter who 
turns you out, if God takes you in. 
21^ 



CHAPTER II. 



PROMISES TO DUTIES OF THE SECOND TABLE. 



TO OBEDIENCE TO PARENTS. 

" My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not 
the law of tby mother ; for thoy shall be an ornament of grace unto 
thy head, and chains about tiiy neck. " Prov. i. 8, 9. 

Children, do consider the relation you sustain to 
your PARENTS ! recollect that you are a part of them- 
selves ; they consider you as such ; y^ea, and a veiy ten- 
der part too ; and in proof of which, they have often ; 
exposed themselves in order to protect you. You are I 
under innumerable obligations to love and obey them ; 
for, by night and by day, you have ever been the objects 
of their tenderest care. 

^* Hear the instruction of thy father ; '^ hear it, and 
regard it ; attend to it, and be grateful for it ; for you 
may always depend upon it, as being designed to keep 
you from evil and do y'ou good. '^ And forsake not the 
laiv of thy mother ; " respect and obey her ; and let all 
your actions spring from love to her. There are many 
good women in the world, but remember, you have but 
one mother! no one ever did, nor ever can, love you 
with a mother^s love ; neither can it be felt by any but a 
mother. Forsake not her laiv who has been more to 
you than all the world beside. Let your Father and 
Mother know, that their love to you has not been all 
lost upon you ; and this you must do, by evincing your 
love to them. Let them see that y^ou prefer their com- 
pany to all others ; that y^ou desire their good opinions, 
whatever others may think of you ; and strive in all 
tilings to please them. Consult them, and make them 
your counsellors on all occasions ; and however they may 
differ from your opinion, confide in their wisdom. 



TO OBEDIENCE TO PARENTS. 243 

" Honor thy father and mother, (which is the first commandment 
with promise,) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live 
long on the earth." Eph. vi. 2, 3. 

Obedience belongs to all children ; let their age, sex, 
or condition, be what they may ; and they are in duty 
bound to obey both parents ; the Mother as well as the 
father ; indeed she is first named : Lev. xix. 3. We 
have in this passage very plainly expressed, 

First, The duties of children to parents ; '^ Honor thy 
father and mother. ^^ Including, 1st. Obedience to all 
their lawful commands. Whatever may be the defects, 
or circumstances of your parents, common gratitude, 
nature, reason, and the word of God, all say you ought 
to love and obey them : Col. iii. 20. Come, when they 
call you ; go, where they send you ; and abstain from 
what they forbid you. 2d. Submission to their instruc- 
tions, rebukes, and corrections : Prov. i. 8, 9. There 
can be no honor without submission. 3d. Disposing of 
themselves according to their advice, consent, and instruc- 
tions ; and being careful never to waste their property : 
Prov. vi. 20, 21. Honor them in heart, speech, and 
behaviour. 4th. Endeavoring in all things to be their 
comfort through life : Prov. xxiii. 22. Actions will • 
honor them more than words. 5th. By outward acts 
evincing an inward esteem for them, in preference to all 
others. 

Secondly, The reason annexed ; which is. First, a 
promise ; '' That it may be well with theeJ' 1st. It is 
a promise of well-doing. Obey them in all things which 
are not forbidden in the word of God ; and always let 
your words correspond w^th the reverence you feel for 
them in your hearts. In honoring your parents, you 
honor the Lord's commandment: Eph. vi. i. And, 2d. 
Those who obey the command, may expect a fulfilment 
of the promise ; as is evident from Joseph : Gen. xlvii. 
12 : and Ruth : chap. i. 16, 17 : and Jesus ; Li ke ii. 
51. Secondly, A threatening imphed ; as is evident, 1st. 
From precept. See Deut. xxi. 18, 21 : and xxvii. 26, 
And, 2d. From example. Ham was cursed of his father, 
for dishonoring him : Gen. ix. 25 : and the sons of Eli 
were cut off for their disobedience : 1 Sam. ii. 25. ^' This 
is the first commandment " of the second table. 



244 TO FAITHFUL SERVANTS. 

" A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame." 
Prov. xvii. 2. 

Servants, you are here encouraged to be faithful, 
diligent, and constant, in your employments ; though they 
may be mean and laborious. Do not think, that because 
you are poor you cannot thrive, or be preferred ; for a 
man might be born in a valley, and afterwards live on a 
hill. " A wise servant,^^ who manages well, and is faithful 
in what has been entrusted to his care, shall, not only 
have equal rule, buc '^ rule over a son that causeth phame " 
by his foolishness and imprudence; Be thankful with, 
and fiithfully improve what you have ; and you will be 
intrusted with more: Prov. xxvii. 18. And admitting, 
that his master should not feel sufficient interest in him, 
to give him a son's estate, as is sometimes the case, yet, 
that soul that is without grace, is far poorer than that 
servant whose pockets are without money. While you 
endeavor to discharge faithfully every duty you owe to 
others, forget not those you owe to yourself : for it will 
never answer any valuable purpose to build a good house 
on a bad foundation. Whatever m.ay be your lawful 
business, make religion your main-business ; and that will 
enable you to perform cheerfully, and faithfully, your 
daily business. Respect your employers ; fear to offend 
them ; be as conscientious in the discharge of every duty 
when tliey are absent, as when they are present; do all 
with cheerfulnes, and good,-will ; and that will make duty 
a delight, and please those whom you serve. Always 
show a good-will toward every member of the family you 
are in ; and rather suffer wrong, than do wrong. Your 
employers may have the command of your bodies and 
services, but not of your consciences. Have one eye on 
your employer, and the other on Christ : Eph. vi. 5 — 8. 
You may be exposed to many temptations, but yield to 
none of them. Be sober in every respeci. Be chaste ; 
remembering that your character is your all ; let no enemy 
rob you of this your pass-port through life ; lest you be- 
come bhgbted, abandoned, and forlorn. Be frugal on 
all occasions ; both with your own, and that with which 
you are intrusted. Faithfully discharge every duty ; and 
if you would be obliged yourself, study to oblige others. 
In all thino-s act as "a wise servant, ^^ 



TO FAITHFUL SERVANTS. 245 

" Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh ; 
not with eye-service, as men-pleasers ) but in singleness of heart, 
fearing God." Col. iii. 22. 

A GOOD servant is more honorable than a bad master. 
Christ'^ free men may be servants to men ; bcit not of 
men : John viii. 32, 36. '^ Servants, obey in all things,'^ 
that God has not forbidden, '^ your masters according to 
the fleshy Do your duty, love your duty, and live your 
duty ; but should you be commanded to violate one of 
God's commands, it will be your duty, mildly, but firmly, 
to refuse to obey them. A righteous servant is of greater 
value, in the Lord's account, than a wicked master : Prov. 
xxii. 1 — 4. Serve in all things lawfiflly, but in nothing 
sinfully : Acts. v. 29. '' Not with eye-service ; " as those 
who are very dihgent in their master's presence, but very 
negligent in his absence ; '^ as men-pleasers ; " who, if 
they can but please their masters, care nothing about 
profiting them ; nor 6?Z5 pleasing God. Be faithful in the 
discharge of every duty ; at all times ; but especially in 
the absence of your employer ; for you will thereby 
secure his confidence, and a good conscience, '^ In 
singleness of heart,^^ in honesty of intentioUj "^fearing 
Godr 

That servant who fears God, will always act faithfully , 
toward his master ; because he knows the eye of God is 
constantly upon him : Neh. v. 15. There is no situation 
in which you can be placed, that will excuse neglect of 
God ; fear him. and you need fear nothing else ; for 
nothing can harm you but sin ; and the fear of oflJending 
Him will keep you from sinning. Sat the Lord always 
before you ; make religion your chief concern ; and 
while your hands are engaged below, let your heart be 
engaged above : Luke x. 42. Endeavor by an afi^able, 
gentle, and obliging deportment, to gain the esteem and 
confidence of every one in the family whom you may 
serve ; and let no opportunity slip of making yourself 
more and more acquainted with the word of God. Ser- 
vants who fear God, will do all things to his glory ; and 
suffer no wages to tempt them to go to,, nor continue in, 
any situation where the Lord's day is taken from them. 
In the busiest of times, always find time to pray ; and 
God will find an opportunity to bless you : Col. iii, 24* 



246 TO FAITHFUL MINISTERS. 

"Thou slialt go to all that I shall send thoe, and whatsoever I 
commnnd thee, thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces ; for 
I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord." Jer. i. 7, 8. 

If, like Paul, you are constrained to say, '' Wo is unto 
me, if I preach not the Gospel ! " and, from a sense of 
your insufficiency, cry out with Jeremiah, ^' I am a' 
child ! " you will not be offended at any one offering to 
instruct you ; admitting he be a child, both in years and 
experience. Eli listened attentively to a message deliv- 
ered by the child Samuel. Moses made many excuses, 
but God was not pleased with them ; and Jeremiah 
made many modest objections, but God removed them ; 
and graciously encouraged him. 

'' Thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee,^^ is the 
Lord's declaration to the one whom He commissions. 
If you are fully convinced of its being your duty, to bear 
the tidings of salvation to a lost and ruined world, you 
have great cause to be humble ; and may well exclaiin, 
"Who is sufficient for these things?" 2 Cor. ii. 16. 
But be not discouraged ; though humbly, go cheerfully 
wheresoever, and to whomsoever, God shall send you ; 
and remember, that you have no choice in this matter : 
neither as it regards where you are to go, nor what you 
are to say: Ezek. xxxiii. 7, He who gave you your 
mission, will also give your message ; so that you need 
never be at a loss what to say. '^ And ivhatsoever I 
command thee, thou shalt speah:.^^ Whether nien receive 
your messaoe, or, are offended at it, is not your business ; 
for what God says, that you must say ; without adding 
to, or taking from it : Acts xx. 26, 27, And though you 
may, yea, will, have many to oppose you, who do not 
love the truth, ''Be not afraid of their faces, ^^ though 
they may appear big, bold, and daring ; and would look 
. you out of countenance. " For I am ivith thee to deliver 
thee, saith the Lord." Declaring the truth faithfully, 
may bring you into trouble ; but the God of truth will 
bring you out of trouble. By preaching what the I.jord 
bids you, you may offend some of your pretended friends ; 
and cause enemies to rise up against you ; but that should 
give you but little concern ; ''for I am with thee,^^ saith 
HE, whose message you deliver. Deliver it faithfully ; 
and live what you preach ; for the world will watch you. 



TO FAITHFUL MINISTERS. 247 

"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine ; continue in 
them : for in doing this, thou shall both save thyself, and them that 
hear thee." 1 Tim. v. 16. 

Men of learning and character have confirmed the 
impression, that the office of the ministry, which was 
formerly a sacrifice-^^— is now become a trade. ^' Take 
heed to thyself ; " and what thou teachest to others, be 
careful to practice thyself. Give attendance to readings 
and meditation ; neglect not the gift that is in thee; and 
never suffer that plant to wither for the want of proper 
care: ver. 13, 14. It is a painful business thou art en-^ 
gaged in ; but be not slothful in it ; spare no pains ; 
think no trial too great ; nor any cross too heavy ; in 
order to become a good workman at thy business: 2 
Tim. ii. 15. Be not afraid of wearing out ; for that 
would be far better than rusting out : 2 Tim. iv. 2, 
And while thou preachest against worldly minderlness. 
^^ talce heed unto thyself : '' 1 Pet. v. 2. Be not en- 
cumbered with anything belonging to this world, that 
you can possibly do without ; but let the salvation of 
precious souls be your chief concern: I Tim. vi. 11. 
^' Take heed to thyself; '' and convince the people, that 
it is for them^ and not for theirs, that thou art laboring : 
Isa. Ixii. 1. ''And to the doctrine:^' See to it that 
what you preach is pure ; and uncorrupted as it came 
from God; without being adulterated with the inventions 
of men : Matt, xxviii. 20. And havingreceived the true 
doctrine, or truths of the Gospel, " continue in them ; " 
for they have God in Christ- as their Author — Matter — 
and End: 1 Tim. vi. 1—5. ''For iji doing this,^^ 
according to that ability which God hath given thee, 
" thou shalt save thyself]''^ from all the baneful conse- 
quences of handling the word of God deceitfully ; " and 
them that hear thcc,^^ from that condemnation that rests 
upon all unbelievers : John iii. 18, 36. The work thou 
art engaged in is a saving work ; and by taking heed to 
thyself — knowing the truth thyself — and faithfully, 
and plainly preaching and living the truth thyself " them 
that hear thee " will be led to live and obey the truth : 
and be saved through believing, from that guilt consequent 
upon unbelief: John iv. 3G. The truth must be heard 
before it can be believed. 



248 TO FAITHFUL MINISTERS. 

' " Thou shalt stand before me ; and if thou take the precious from 
the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth ; let them return unto thee ; 
but return not tiiou unto tiiem." Jer. xv. 19. 

A FAITHFUL minister is Christ's ambassador : 2 Cor. 
V. 20. Ministers are watchmen ; and so lono- as the 
souls over whom they wateh are in danger ; they will 
have to be wakeful, watchful, and laborious : Ezek. 
xxxiii. 7. ^* Thou sJialt stand bejore /?ze," to receive 
my message at my mouth ; and see to it that thou keep 
not silence ; nor think of sitting at ease upon the walls 
of Zion : Isa. Ixli. 6. And it is at a minister's peril, to 
diminish a word of all that God commands: Jer. xxvi. 2. 
There are three things in which God requires all his min- 
isters to be faithful. 

1st. '^ If thou talce the precious Jrom the vile,^^ as the 
husbandman does tlie wheat from the chaft : bearing in 
mind that every grain of wheat is enveloped in a coat of" 
chaff r'Matt. iii. 12. Take the precious blood of Christ 
from the impure acts of man ; and never suffer them to 
be mixed in the price of redemption : 1 Pet. i. 18, 19. 
Draw the line between the precious sons of Zion, Vv hat- 
ever might be their outward condition, and vile professors : 
Lam. iv. 2. Distinguish between precious faith andt'zVe 
hypocrisy : 2 Pet. i. 1.. Sufier not the precious word of 
the Lord (1 Sam. iii. 1.) to be mingled with the vile 
traditions of men : Matt. xv. 9. If thou dost thus prove 
thyself to be a workman, 

2d. '' Thou shalt be as my mouthJ^ As though he 
had said. •' If thou stand upon thy post as a servant ; 
deliver my n:iessage faithfully ; do all in thy power to 
dissuade, alarm, or persuade them, to retuju unto me ; 
all thou hast said shall be made good, just the same 
as if by ray own mouth I had spoken it : " Isa. xliv. 26. 
And, 

3d. Stand fast, ^^ Let them return unto thee ; " they 
must bring their hearts and lives to my words ; '' but return 
thou not unto them ; " for my law must not be brought 
down to them ; therefore, think not to make the matter 
easier by a comipliance to their wishes. Closely adhere 
to the instructions God gives, and never vary in the least 
to accommodate any one. When you preach the truth, 
preach it in such a manner as to convince your hearers. 



TO l^AltHFUL MINiSfERS. 249 

*"* And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a 
^rown of glory that fadeth not away." 1 Pet. v. 4. . 

Satan has his ministers ; and they generally contrive 
to make themselves look like the ministers of Christ: 2 
Cor. xi. 15. Such ministers are as zealous in promoting 
error, as the true servants of Christ are in promoting 
truths In the general, they are influenced to preach by 
the love of money, power, or applause ; but their end 
is according to their works : 1 Tim. vi. 10. But a 
faithful minister is constrained by the love of Christj 
to preach the Gospel of Christ: 2 Cor. v. 14, 15, 
Christ is God's Shepherd : Zech, xiii. 7. '' And when 
the chiej Shepherdj^^ who owns all the sheep: John iii. 
35: supplies all their needs: John x. 15, 16: has the 
management of the whole flock : Heb, xiii. 20: who 
redeemed them with his owm blood: 1 Pet. i. 18^ 19: 
who withholds no good thing from them : John vi. 50, 
51: and who is the Shepherd, and Bishop of souls: 
1 Pet. ii. 25 : when he " shall appear^'''' you shall not 
be forgotten. When Jesus Christ, the Owner, Ruler, 
Protector, Lover, and Shepherd of his sheep, '^ shall 
appear,'^ to reckon with all his under-shepherds, he 
will not be unmindful of your services and labors ol 
iove ; for then, " ye shall receive a crown of lifeJ^ 
That is the reward promised to all who love his appear- 
ing : 2 Tim.Jv. 8 

You may, from the many discouragements you will 
have to contend with, and a sense of your own weakness, 
be ready to conclude after laboring hard and long, that 
your labors have been all lost ; Isa. xlix. 4 ; and that you 
will speak no more in the name and cause of Christ ; 
Jer. XX. 9; but let nothing discourage you in, nor allure 
you from the path of duty: Acts xx. 24. Your re- 
ward is with the Lord, whose servant you are ; and 
after your work is faithfully done, " ye shall receive a 
crown of glory ; '^ an ever-flourishing, incorruptible, 
never-fading crown : I Pet. i. 4. Your time of sorrow 
cannot last long ;J3in your ''crown of glory " will wear 
forever : Dan. xii. 3. Pay great attention, not only to 
the matter J but also, to the manner of your preaching: 
in narration be distinct; in reasoning, slow ; in persua- 
sion; strong. Abandon every vitiated habit. 
22 



250 TO THEM THAT HEARKEN TO GOd's MINISTERS* 

"Believe in the Lord your God, so shall yc be established J 
believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper."- 2 Chron, xx. 20. 

Faith in God is better than sword in band. Faith 
has subdued armies ; Heb. xi. 33, 34 ; and assuredly 
will overcome the world. '^ Believe in the Lord your 
Godi^ and you will need neither bow, &pear, shield, nor 
sword ; for the God of Israel will fight for the Israel of 
God: Josh, xxiii. 10. While you firmly rely on ''the 
Lord your God," it matters not who, nor what^ comes 
out against you :• Deut. xxviii. 7^ To believe m the 
Lord, is to trust in, and repose our minds upon, his grace 
and 'ove to us in Jesus Christ ; to receive him just as 
he has revealed himself tons; to '' believe his prophets, ^^ 
who testify of his love to us in his Son ; and of peace 
and joy in the Holy Ghost. It is not said that you are 
to b-'iieve all who call themselves his prophets, without 
once questioning their authority ; or the truth of what 
til y say ; or taking the trouble to examine the doctrines 
th'^ y teach: 1 John iv. L But on the contrary, when 
they come in the name of G )d, exaixiine all they say 
by the word of God: Acts xvii. IL Faith comes by 
hearing ; it is, therefore, your duty and privilege to 
attend on the ministry of the word : Rom. x. 17. The 
Lord commands us, 

First, To believe in Him : He is set forth as the 
object of our faith. Believe in him as your God and. 
Father ; considering the fulness, freeness, and suitable- 
ness of his promises ; rest all your concerns in his hands, 
just as little children confide in their parents : Ps. ciii. 
13, 14. And, ^' believe his prophets ; " or his ministers 
who preach the truths spoken by the prophets ; for all 
who are sent of God, preach that Saviour who was 
spoken of by all the prophets of God : Luke i. 68 — 70. 

Secondly, Encourage our faith by a brace of promises, 
1st. ''So shall ye be established : ^^ You shall be firmly 
fixed and settled in your mind ; and no longer, as one 
lame, go halting between two opinions ; or tossed about 
by every wind that blows : Heb. xiii. 9. And 2d. '' So 
shall ye prosper : " You shall increase in knowledge of 
divine things ; your faith in the promises shall grow 
stronger ; your evidence of acceptance wdth God, be- 
come clearer ; and your acquaintance with him, greater. 



TO THEM THAT HEARKEN TO GOd's MINISTERS. 251 

*' He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet^ shall 
receive a propliet's reward." Matt. x. 41. 

The best of men often meet with the worst of treat- 
ment. Our gracious Lord, when sending his disciples 
forth to preach the blessed Gospel, well knew, that 
many would, pot only be ungrat^eful enough to reject his 
gracious message, but also, ill use his ministers : John 
xvi. 2. Notwithstanding, for their encouragement, he 
gives them to understand that some would receive their 
message, and them too ; that their labors should not be 
in vain ; and whatever was done unto them he should 
consider as done to himself: Matt. x. 40. 

" He that receiveth a prophetS^ not because he is 
respectable^ leai^ned^ or witty ; or because he has done 
him some act of kindaess, or is likely so to do ; but '' in 
the 7iame of a prophet ; '^ because he is a disciple of 
Christs ; and as such bears the image of Christ ; '' shall 
receive a 'prophet'' s reivard : " Heb. vi. 10. Should he 
be weak, he must be received ; and what he says in the 
name of the Lord, must be listened to with as great 
attention as though he was strong and eloquent. Should 
he be called an " Impostor ^^^ you are not to look upon 
him as s^ch, until you have proved him to be one ; but 
^^ receive him in the name of a prophet ; '^ and should it 
afterv/ards prove that you were deceived, God will not 
suffer your well-meant labor of love to be forgotten : 
you shall have, not an impostor's, but, di^' prophets re^ 
ward ; " thou[';h it be proved in the end that he was not 
a prophet. And if he be a prophet, whom you have 
received in that name^ you shall have his prayers, and 
God's blessing : Gen. xx. 7. Be careful that you 
slight not one of God's ministers ; for by bhghting one 
of them, you slight Him that sent him. 

Consider the blessedness of receiving a prophet, or 
minister, sent by Christ ; that is, not only welcome his 
person, but attend to his message, you shall have a 
'' prophefs reward^ What more can you desire ? a 
prophet has a present reward in obeying his Lord's 
commands : Ps. cxix. 165. He has a claim to all the 
promises of God in Christ : 2 Cor. i. 20. And an 
assurance of a crown of life : 2 Tim. iv. 6 — 8. You 
inaj think wrong ; but be sure you act right. 



152 TO LOVE AND UNITT. 

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell 
together in unity ! " Ps. cxxxiii. 1, 

Abraham and Lot separated to prevent strife: and 
that caused a great deal of trouble in the end : Gen. xiii. 9: 
xiv. 12 — 16. " Behold ! ^^ Look! Do consider, ^' Aow? 
good it is " for us ; how agreeable unto us ; and how 
comfortable it will make us ! how very good — how in- 
conceivably and inexpressably good ! and '^ how pleasant 
it is ! " how delightful ? how agreeable to us, and plea- 
sing to God ! "/or brethren to dwell together in unity J^ 
The more we live in unity with cur brethren, the happier 
we shall be in ourselves ; and the greater benefit shall 
we derive as a Church or society. The objects of God's 
love, should ever be the objects of our love : 1 John v. L 
God's peculiar love to us, should produce a peculiar love 
in us : 1 John iii. 16. What a contrast, " brethren dwel- 
ling together in unity," presents with those that cannot 
live together for enmity ! How unnatural '' it is " for 
BRETHREN to be Snapping and snarling ; debating and 
contending ; quarreling and brawling ; envying and back- 
biting ; reproaching and deriding ; tearing and devour- 
ing, one another ! Gal. v. 15. It is natural for a wolf 
to kill a lamb ; but very ?innatural for lambs to kill, or 
even wound each other. If there is happiness to be 
enjoyed on earth, it certainly is anr-ong '^ brethren icha 
dwell together in unity J^ L^nion ever tends to augment 
the happiness of its possessor — to recommend divine 
truth to all around - — to extend the kingdom of the Re- 
deemer upon earth — -and to give strength and stability 
to the Christian course : 2 Cor. xiii. 11. For, '• Behold ! 
How good and how pleasant it is ! " How precious are 
their joys — and how pleasantly their days, weeks, 
months, and years glide away, while dwelling together 
in unity I They dwell together in paradise below, till 
removed to paradise above. 

There are somethings to be avoided, and others to be 
performed, in order to promote Christian union. 1st. A 
spirit of evil surmising ; uncharitable thoughts ; evil- 
speaking ; detraction ; and a reservedness of disposition ; 
must be studiously avoided : Eph. iv. 22 — 26. And, 
2d. A regular dependence upon God ] an uniformity of 
conduct, must be daily attended to. 



TO LOTE AND UNITY. 153 

'^'l^y this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have 
■love one to another." John xiii. 35. 

Nature says, love thyself; but Grace and Christ 
say, '^Love one another." Love is so essential a part 
of religion, that there is no possibility of being a Chris- 
tian without it : 1 John iii. 10. ''By this,^^ the livery 
which all Christ's servants wear, and which distinguishes 
them from the men of the world, who love none but 
themselves, says the blessed Redeemer, '^ Shall all men 
Jcnow that ye are my disciples/^ By this plain but hon- 
orable badge, any one may know for himself, whether he 
is a disciple of Christ ; for this is the Christian's low- 
water mark : 1 John iii. 14. '^ By this,^^ when clouds 
and darkness are around him, and doubts and fears are 
within him, and when every other mark appears to have 
txeen removed, he knows that he is passed from death unto 
life. But this knowledge is not confined to themselves^ 
nor a few of their intimate friends ; for the Saviour de- 
clares ''■ By this shall all me?! know that ye are iny disci" 
ples,^^ They shall not conjecture, ax guess, or think^ 
that you look like Christians ; their doubts will be re- 
moved, and they shall know of a truth that ye are his 
disciples, ^' ifya have love one to another J^ It is worthy 
of remark, our Lord does not say, if ye possess love — - 
make a show of love — or talk about lave — but if ye 
HAVE LOVE one to another : 1 John iv. 1 9 — 21. Where 
real love is absent, true faith is never present : Gal. v. 
■6. Those who are destitute of love are ignorant of its 
true value. Love enables us to be patient under trouble ; 
slow to anger ; to forgive injuries ; to be kind to our 
enemies ; to deny ourselves ; to do good to our neighbors ; 
to mourn over the faults and afflictions of others ; to 
kindly bear with the infirmities of all ; and makes the 
present life like a little heaven, among ourselves ; while 
it strongly recommends us to the esteem of others : 1 
Cor. xiii. 

All who are the ^^ children of God by faith," main- 
taining the same common principles, influenced by the 
same motives, sharing in the same enjoyments, and bear-r 
ing the same Father's image, are the subjects of a mutual 
and tender aflfection for each other ; and which expresses 
itself by every possible act of kindness. 
22* 



254 TO THE PEACE-MAKERg. 

*' To the counsellors of peace is joy." Prov. xii. 20. 

Nothing can be more contrary to the gospel of peace, 
than strife and contention ; which, not only bring confu- 
sion, but every other evil work : Prov. xvii. 14. Those 
who have become reconciled to God will use every lawful 
mean to be at peace with men : Rom. xii. 18. If we 
have lost peace, it is our duty to seek after, and pursue 
it, till we obtain it : Heb. xii. 14. Every real Christian is 
a subject of the Prince of peace : Isa. ix. 6. He is, there- 
fore, for peace : he loves peace ; he pursues and strives 
for peace ; he would fain live peaceably with all men ; 
and pick up a quarrel with no man : Ps. cxx. 7. He is 
more desirous to obtain peace than wealth ; hence it is, 
that he has an abundance of peace : Ps. xxxvii. 11. 

'^ To the counsellors ofpeace,^' who study and delib- 
erate on making peace ; v>4io devise ways and means how 
to bring about and restOTe peace ; who direct, advise, and 
admonish others to be elI peace ; Vvho labor for peace as 
a/aithful and able counsellor does for his client; to all 
such counsellors the Lord has promised a handsome fee ; 
which '^ is JOY." The counsellors oi peace may differ 
upon some points from those of the laiv ; inasmuch as it , 
is the business of those of peace to make up breaches ; 
heal wounds ; sew up rents ; mend gaps ; dress old hurts ; 
allay tumults ;' quell riots ; and plead causes ; without 
being hired. But, admitting they have the most work, 
they have the best fee ; and it is the most certain ; for 
the counsellor of law often loses his fee ; but '^ to the 
counsellors of peace is joyJ^ They get their fee while 
doing their work ; and enjoy the full benefit of it after 
their work is done ; in the enjoyment of that peaceful 
blessedness which none but peace-makers know : 1 Pet. 
iii. 10. 

It is the happines of all the faithful disciples of Jesus, 
that, although they cannot always make peace, they may 
always find peace ; and though they cannot find it on 
earth, they may obtain it from heaven : John xvi. 33. 
How great is the joy of all peace-makers ! it is a peculiar 
joy ; enjoyed only by those w^ho are at peace with the 
Prince of peace ; they desire that others should partake 
of the same joy ; and hence they delight in being " coun- 
sellors of peace." Follow after peace. 



TO THE PEACE-MAKERS. 255 

"Blessed are the peace-makers: for they shall be called the 
children of God." Matt. v. 9. 

Grace in the heart is seen in the life ; and a pure 
heart will be accompanied by a pure life ; and love of 
peace: James iii. 11 — 13. '^ Blessed are the peace- 
makers." As ivar divides nations, towns, families, and 
individuals, so yeace restores them to unity, and makes 
their object and interest one. A jjeace-makei' is one who 
loves peace ; desires it and seeks after it : he never fans 
the sparks of strife ; as he feels his own interest promoted 
whenever he can succeed im promoting that of others : 
1 Pet. iii. 10. The peoce-maker uses all his influence 
to reconcile contending parties ; and though it sometimes 
proves a thankless office, and he gets himself ill-used, he 
still pursues his course ; because he knows it to be a 
good office ; and he finds himself blessed in his work : 
Ps. cxx. 7. Those who possess so much of the spirit of 
the Gospel of peace are already blessed ; and carry a 
continual blessedness in their own bosoms : Prov. xii. 20. 
^' They shall he called the children of God ; " Yea^ 
and they shall not only be so called, for God will give 
them the evidence within that they are such : Rom. viii, 
16, 17. The Father is a God of peace : Rom. xv. 33 : 
the Son is the Prince ot peace : Isa. ix. 6 : and the Holy 
Ghost is the Spirit- of peace: Gal. v. 22. God loves 
peace ; and is so well pleased with _pe^ce-makers, he 
declares ''they shall be called the children of God ;" 
and seeing he never miscalls anything, as children, they 
shall be entitled to all His children's privileges. They 
shall have his direction in difficulties : James i. 5 : His 
support under trials : Ps. Iv. 22 : His protection in dan- 
gers : Ps. xxxiv. 7 : His aid in sickness : Ps. xli. 3 : 
His presence in death : Ps. xxiii. 4 : and a seat by His 
side after death : Rev. iii. 21 . The man who has peace 
with God, should strive to make peace with man ; and 
whoever has peace within, should labor for peace without. 
Seeing God has done so much to procure peace for us, 
the least w^e can do is to make peace with each other. 
Let no one call himself a follower of Jesus, who is not a 
lover of peace ; for He is our peace ; our Peace-maker;* 
our Peace-bringer ; our Peace-giver ; and our Peace-* 
supporter ; Eph. ii. 14. 



256 TO THE CHARITABLE. 

"Blessed is he that considereth the poor ; the Lord will deliver 
him in time of trouble." Ps. xli. 1. 

Many who have much goods, do no good with their 
■goods ; and hence, while surrounded with wealth, they 
are wretched and miserable: Rev. iii. 17. But those 
who are rich in pocket and poor in spirit, are doubly- 
blessed ; and their poverty in spirit is sure to dispose 
them to consider those who are poor in pocket. 

1st. '^ Blessed is he that considereth the poor ; " that 
thinks of them ; remembers them ; and calls to mind 
their poverty and afflictions ; that pities, and resolves, 
after deliberation, to grant them speedy relief. '' Blessed 
is he," even while considering in what way he can do 
them the most good : Prov. xiv. 21. The poor widow, 
whose agonised heart he makes glad, blesses him ; the 
ORPHAN, whose tears he dries up by supplying his pressing 
wants, blesses him ; the poor, sick, and afflicted, with all 
that are distressed, whether in mind, body, or estate, will 
lift up their eyes to heaven, pour blessings on his head, 
tind kiss the kind hand of their deliverer : Prov. xxii. 9. 
But the blessings he receives from the poor, whose suf- 
fering he softens, are not to be compared with the bles- 
sedness he feels in his own bosom: Acts xx. 35. He 
shall, not only be blessed of man, and blessed in himself, 
but blessed of God. 

2d. '' The Lord will dtliver him in time of troulleJ^ 
There is no situation in which man can be placed, in this 
life, but he will always find troubles peculiar to that 
situation. But whoever considers the poor shall be 
remembered by the Lord ; and as he had compassion 
on others in the time of distress, so '' He will deliver him 
m the time of tix)uble." If we consider not the poor, 
we are, not only unkind to our fellow creatures, but un- 
grateful to God ; through whose tender mercies it is, that 
WE can see the blind, hear the deaf, talk of the dumb, 
walk to the lame, and visit the sick. Should yoti be so 
poor, that you cannot give to the poor, you will be blessed 
if you do but consider the poor ; and when you cannot 
give a penny you may lend a hand. Whatever you give 
to, or do for the poor, the Lord takes it as done to him- 
self ; and will assuredly pay you again : Prov. xix. 17. 
The poor ye always have with you : Matt. xxL 11. 



TO THE CHARITABLE. 257 

** To do j(ood and communicate forget not ; for with such sacri» 
fices God is well pleased." Heb. xiii 16. 

No man is what he says, but what he does. Some 
have charity always in their mouths, but never in their 
hearts ; and such are great talkers, but little doers : Prov. 
xiv. 23. '^ To do good " is our indispensable duty. God 
will not be put off with good talking, without good doing ; 
for words are but wind, and will neither feed the hungry 
nor clothe the naked : James ii. 14 — 16. The Lord is 
so concerned for the poor, that he considers himself 
slighted when the poor are neglected : Deut. xv. 7 — 11, 
There are those who are ready to do good when it costs 
them nothing ; and lest you should be tempted to imitate 
their example, it is abided, '^ And to communicate forget 
not ; " 2 Cor. ix. 6.7. According to the utmost of our 
ability, m • nust communicate to the necessities of others ; 
and not tiiink of putting them off with our prayers and 
good wishes ; for eiilier a prayer or a wish, that is not 
worth a cent, w^ill be of but httle service to a poor sufferer : 
Eccl. xi. i2. If God has given to you but little, he does 
not expect you to give much ; but he does expect yoii 
to do all you can for those who are poorer than yourself: 
Prov. xi. 24. " Forget not " to do all you can, and the 
best you can : and then, depend not upon your good 
deeds ; but upon Christ alone : ''for with such sacrifices 
God is well pleased J"* And, as a proof of His being 
well pleased^ he will accept your offering ; bless your 
soul ; and give you the evidence within that he is well 
pleased with what you have done : Luke v^i. 38. 

Nothing exalts the human character more than acts 
of disinterested benevolence. Our blessed Jesus " went 
about doing good,^^ None e\^er applied to him for aid 
but were sent away rejoicing. The Saviour persevered 
in doing good, and was never weary of it. It is our duty, 
as Christians to copy after him : Matt. xi. 29. Let us, 
by soft pity and tender compassion to the wretched, by 
going about, as far as we have opportunity, to seek the 
sons and daughters of affliction, and when we find th^m 
in their abodes of wretchedness, pity them ; and by acts 
of kindness show that we possess the mind that was in 
Christ : Phil. ii. 5. Feed the hungry ; clothe the naked ; 
comfort the mourner, and instruct the ignorant. 



258 TO SUPPORTING god's MINISTERS AND WORSHIP. 

"The Levite, (because }ie hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) 
and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are 
within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfi"d ; that 
the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand 
which thou doest. " Deut. xiv. 29. 

It is a great mercy to have a portion in the world ; 
but a great misery lo have the world for our portion. 
The Lord has ever been known to be a helper of the 
helpless ; and has a peculiar regard for such as others 
are too apt to neglect : Ps. xH. 1 — 3. It appears evi- 
dent, that the Lord never intended for his ministers to 
live like ministers of State ; for, in the general, he has 
ever kept them poor. But though this is the case, He 
will not suffer them to be neglected ; for while he makes 
it an indispensable duty to consider the poor, He adds, 
'^ And the Levite ; " who is kept poor that he might 
know how to preach to the poor : Luke iv. 18 : and also 
to try the liberaUty of the rich. The Lord has provided 
better things for his faithful ministers, than the gaudy 
empty things of this vain world ; still they must be sup- 
ported by those among whom they labor : 1 Cor. ix. 
1—14. 

Ministers ought to live by preaching, but they cannot 
live 071 it ; each one, therefore, should be provided for 
by those who have his labors ; '^Because he hath no part 
nor inheritance ; " nor any other means of procuring a 
support for himself, his time being all taken up in the 
work of the ministry. That is a very powerful reason, 
why a minister should be provided for by the people to 
whom he ministers ; '' Because he hath no jJCirt nor in- 
heritance with thee. " Though Paul labored with his 
own hands, and ministered to his own necessities, on 
some occasions : Acts xviii. 3 : xx. 34 : he has proved 
that those who preach the gospel, should be supported by 
the people : 1 Cor. ix. 9 — 1 4. His wants were supplied 
by the brethren of Macedonia : 2 Cor. xi. 9 : and when 
he and his friends left Melita, the people loaded them 
with such things as they needed : Acts xxviii. 10. 

'' And the stranger ^^ must have kindness shown to 
him, that he might not think unfavorably of religion, 
but be won to it. " And the fatherless and the widow " 
must not be neglected, nor suffered to want; but particular 
care should be taken that they '' eat and be satisfied,''^ &c. 



TO SUPPORTING GOd's MINISTERS AND WORSHIP. 259 

" Let him that is taught in the word, communicate to him that 
teacheth in all good things. " Gal. vi. 6. 

Christian Ministers have a hio;h desio^nation — " Ser- 
vants of the most high God : " Act^xvi. 17 : and which 
imports that their commission is from God : Mark, xvi* 
15, 16. The Lord, in his infinite wisdom and goodness, 
has seen fit to teach man by the ministry of man ; and 
has forbidden those who preach the Gospel, to entangle 
themselves with the things of the world : 2 Tim. ii. 4. 
But has made it the duty of those who hear the Gospel, 
to support them w ho preach it. 

'' Let him that is taught in the word, " ever bear in 
mind, that as there are some to be taught, so there must 
be some to be teachers ; and that it is the duty of every 
one taught, to '^ communicate to him that teacheth : " ' 
Rom. XV. 27. The Ministry of the Gospel is of Divine 
appointment ; and those whom God calls and qualifies, 
are in duty bound to preach it ; while it is equally incum- 
bent on all to hear it: Rom. x. 14 — 17. Ministers are 
God's servants ; but are neither slaves to, nor lords over 
the people : 1 Pet. v. 3. Their business is to instruct 
others '' in the word " of God ; and it is at their peril to 
preach anything else as a substitute for ^^ the ivord : '^ 2 
Tim. iv. 2 : neither are you under obligation to believe 
anything they preach that cannot be clearly proved by 
'' the word : " Acts. xvii. 11. Neither is it a Minister's 
business to domineer over your faith ; but to explain 
^^ the word^^ unto you, as the only rule of faith and prac- 
tice : 2 Cor. i. 24. Ministers should never cull the 
Scriptures; but preach the whole oi the word: Acts. 
XX. 27. And while he is thus laboring for and teaching 
you, both reason and scripture say, you ought to '^ com- 
municate to him that teacheth in all good things. " 
While he is freely communicating to you in all spiritual 
things which God has given to him, it is your duty and 
privilege to liberally and cheerfully, communicate unto 
him '- in all good things " the Lord has given to you : 
1 Cor. ix. 1-1 — 14. He has na right to expect extrava- 
gant and sumptuous things; but '^ all good things ^^ are 
his due ; and he reasonably expects them ; both for him- 
self and those whom God may have committed to his care. 
Any shepherd ought to fare as well as his flock. 



260 TO THE MERCII^UL. 

" The merciful man doeth good to his own soul. " Prov. ti.l7. 

Mercy! What a charming sound ! it is the cheerer 
of the heart — the burden of our song — the wonder of 
Heaven — ■ the envy*of hell — the admiration of men — • 
and the distinguished attribute of God ! 

'* The merciful man, " who keeps mercy constantly 
within him, is ever ready freely to do all the good he 
can to the miserable and distressed around him : Prov. 
iii. 3, 4. When provoked, or wronged, he remembers 
mercy ; and is always ready to forgive injuries rather 
than resent them ; and is ever disposed to manifest un-= 
deserved kindness, by pitying, comforting, helping, and 
delivering all who are distressed : Ps. xviii. 25. He is 
ever studying and practicing good ; and in so doing, 
^' doeth good to his own soul, '' He that doeth good 
with his goods, shall have the blessing of God which is 
the greatest good : Prov. xxii. 9. The man who will not 
scatter his seed, but keeps it shut upon his barn, need 
never expect a good harvest. But truly blessed is that 
man who is continually scattering blessings around him, 
in w^orks of piety, charity, and generosity : Ps. xli. 1 — 3. 
He has the blessed satisfaction of knowing, that he has 
done his duty ; and in so doing has contributed to the 
comfort and happiness of others ; and feels that his own 
soul has been refreshed with spiritual blessings, while 
comforting others with temporal blessings : Isa. Iviii. 10, 
11. '' The merciful man ^^ will hurt no one ; but de- 
lights in doing good to all ; he lives to do good ; and is 
never better pleased, than when he has it in his power to 
show mercy; and ihws 'Uio good to his own souL^^ 
The law of love is written on his heart ; he strives with 
untiring zeal to hunt out, bind up, and heal, every wound 
distress has made ; and make the soul of every living 
thing rejoice. He views the race of man as one v'ast 
family of brothers, sisters, friends ; and if one transgresses 
the laws of that family, by doing him, or any one else an 
injury, he is ready to forgive. " The merciful man " 
counts nothing that lie has his own ; but like a faithful 
steward in a great alms-house, what he has received he 
freely gives to all that need. And if he has a foe, it 
rejoices his heart to have it in his power to do him good, 
and extend to him the hand of mercy. 



TO THE MERCIFUL. 261 

*^Blessen are the merciful ] for thej shall obtain mercy." Matt. v. 7. 

A LITTLE mercy is worth a deal of pity. Self is a 
near kinsman, but a bad neighbor ; and a man who truly 
loves himself will never confine his goodness to himself: 
Luke vi. 33. And he who cares for no one but himself, 
is the greatest enemy to himself. 

" Blessed are the inercifal: " God is so delighted with 
meixy, that he has pronounced the merciful already 
blessed. Blessed are those who are ever ready to relieve 
and forgive others: Deut. xxiv. 12, 13. A man inay 
be too poor to be bountiful ; but he can never be too 
poor to be merciful ; for where there is not the way, 
God will accept of the will : 2 Cor. viii. 1 2. We should 
bear our own sufFerings patiently ; and contribute to the 
relief of others cheerfitlly : Job vi. 14. That mercy 
which we could r^fasonably desire or expect that others 
should show to us, were we in their circumstances and 
they in ours, we should show to them: Matt. vii. 12. 
Pity without mercy will avail us nothing ; we should, 
therefore, be merciful to the souls, as well as the bodies 
of men ; and evince it by instructing the ignorant ; warn- 
in o- the careless ; comfortino the mourner ; and reclaimino- 
the wanderer: Isa. Iviii. 10, 11. The merciful ^ve, not 
only blessed now, that is, while shewing mercy, but they 
shall be blessed in future ; for ^' they shall obtain mercy, ^' 
from men, if ever they need it ; but though they may 
never need it from the hand of man, we all need mercy 
of God continually ; and they shall obtain it. For Ave 
may expect to be dealt with as we deal with others : 
James ii. 13. They shall obtain sparing mercy; Matt. 
vi. 14 ; supporting mercy ; Ps. xli. 2 ; and supplying 
mercy : Prov. xix. 17. For every a-ct of mercy, "they 
shall obtain mercy ; " but not wages : 2 Tim. i. 16 — 18, 

We profess to be believers in the Gospel ; it is called 
a law ; and has all the requisites of a law ; precepts, 
with rewards and punishments aimexed ; it prescribes 
duty, as well as administers comfort ; and Christ is as 
much a King to rule us, as he is a Prophet to teach and 
a Priest to atone for us. We are under his royal law of 
liberty : James ii. 8. The Lord is a faithful Banker ; 
and whoever lends to him can never be a loser; but will 
always be a great gainer. 
23 



262 TO FORGIVING INJURIES, 

'* Say not thon, I will recompense evil } but wait on the Lord, 
and h« shall save thee." Prov. xx. 22. 

To render evil for evil, is man-like ; to render evil for 
good, is devil-like ; but to render good for evil, is God- 
like. A forgiving disposition naust always do well in the 
Christian's bosom. 

" Say not thou, Itvill recompense evil ; '' for that is to 
act beneath the dignity of a Christian ; and it is always 
better to suffer wrong than to do wrong : 1 Pet. iii. 14, 
17. While you are in the world, and have lo do with 
the world, you may expect to be affronted and troubled 
by the world : John xvi. 33. But a merciful man is ever 
ready to exercise mercy toward all ; and freely forgives 
every repentant subject. Whatever provocations you 
may receive, ahvays cherish a disposition to forgive them ; 
and never take vengeance into your own hand ; for that 
belongs to the Lord : Rom. xii. 9. Let others say w^iat 
they may, or do w4iat they will ; but say not thou, '' I 
will recompense evil^ Never so much as desire it ; do 
not suffer the thought to lodge in your heart, that when 
a favorable opportunity presents itself you will recompense 
evil. Never say you will do anything that you cannot 
do in the name of the Lord Jesus ; and ask God's blessing 
upon : Col. iii. 17. '^ But wait on the Lord '' by faith, 
and prayer, and a humble resignation to his will ; what- 
ever befalls you, or w^hatever you do, grow not remiss 
in your attendance upon God : Ps. xxvii. 14. Keep up 
your spirits ; and let not the wrongs you suffer draw^ your 
mind from God, w^ho has your cause in his hand ; ''and 
He shall deliver thee^ Wait on Him as your Master ; 
be in constant attendance, ready to obey ail his com- 
mands ; wait on him as your Saviour ; for he has engaged 
to deliver and comfort you : Ps. xxv. 3. Think not, 
that because you do not recompense one evil, that, that 
&hall expose you to another ; for that w^ill not be the case ; 
the Lord will see to it, that more good shall be recom- 
pensed to you, than will counterbalance the evil you 
might have sustained ; yea, '' he shall save I-hee ; ''" 
come w^hat will of those that injure thee : Isa. xxxv. A^ 
Injuries are hard to be borne ; but resenting them can 
never remiove them ; forgive them and that w ill cure them. 
The most effecti^al mean of destroying our enemies, is love. 



TO FORGIVING INJURIES. 263 

**IFye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will 
also forgive you." Matt. vi. 14. 

Occasions of difference will happen, even among 
Christ's disciples ; and therefore, they must be placable, 
and ready to forgive ; therein resembling God, who, for 
Christ's sake, hath forgiven them : Eph. iv. 32. The 
man who cannot relent toward his offending brother, 
gives a striking proof, that he has never relented towards 
God. They who are forgiven of God, should forgive 
>even as God forgives ; sincerely and heartily, readily and 
universally, cheerfully and forever. It is an avc'ful thing 
for any one to pray, as our Lord has taught us, ^' Forgive 
us our trespasses, as we forgiv^e thkm that trespass 
against us," unless they in their hearts freely and fully 
forgive others. In fact, it is to pray that God would 7iot 
forgive us ; seeing we pray, that He would forgive us, 
as, or like, we forgive them whom we do not forgive : 
Matt. vi. 15. 

^' If ye forgive men (heir trespasses, ^^ the imjuries 
they have done you, the evils they have spoken of you, 
with every other provocation, so as to bear no malice, 
meditate no revenge, and upbraid them not, '^ Your heav^ 
■enhj Father will also forgive you^ None need ever 
expect to enjoy a sense of God's forgiving love, while 
they cherish an unforgiving spirit toward others. Every 
Christian is under the most sacred obligation to forgive 
injuries. The obligjation arises, 1st. From the considera- 
tion of his own liabihty to offend, and so to need forgive- 
ness : Gal. vi. 1. 2d. The example of God, which 
ought to be imitated by us : Matt, xviii. 32, 33. And, 
3d. That which carries the obligation to its height is, 
God has commanded it : Mark. xi. 25, 26. Can any 
quarrel with this command as an unreasonable one? 
Can any trample upon it with impunity ? Will anyone 
rather forego the forgiving love of God, than forgive a 
brother that has injured him ? How much more has 
'' your heavenly Father ^"^ already forgiven you, than you 
are called upon to forgive others ? Our sins against God 
are called debts which we have contracted ; and if, when 
we were unable to pay, God so freely forgave our wilful, 
innumerable, inexcusable debts, surely we ought clxeejiv 
ifollj u> "Xorgive men their trespasses^'* 



264 TO PURITY* 

" Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord ? or who shall sfand 
in his holy place ? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart/' 
Ps. xxiv. 3, 4. 

Old Testament saints received inward purity of heart 
from the same fountain, Jesus, and through the same 
means as we now do ; faith in him : Zech. xiii. I. Every 
institution of purification under the law, referred to the 
Redeemer, the purifier of his people. 

^- Who shall ascend into the hill of the LordJ^ David 
compares " the hill of the Lordj'' on which the templk 
stood, with the hills of Bashan, and other high and fruit- 
ful hills ; and prefers it before them, although it was much 
smaller and was not covered with flocks and herds a*^ the 
other hills were: Ps. Ixviii. 15. But it had the pre- 
eminence above them : because it was the hill where 
the Lord was graciously pleased to dwell, and manifest 
the tokens of his peculiar presence : Ps. cxxxii. 13, 14. 
It was sometimes called Zion ; and was a type of the 
Gospel-church, which is therefore calfed mount Zion : 
Ps. Ixv. 1 : Heb. xii. 22. It is much more honorable to 
be holy in the sight of God^ than to he great in the sight 
of the world. There is no way of ascending the holy 
hill but throuoh the humble vale. There is no kino^dom 
upon earth comparable to the kingdom of the Redeemer ; 
for there God dwells ; and every subject is heir to a 
kingdom : Luke xii. 3:2. '• Who shall ascend V^ Those 
who descend : Matt, xviii. 4. '• Who shall stand in his 
holy place 1 '' Here is the ansvver. '- He that hath 
clean hands ; " Vvhose hands hold on to no sin, having 
been washed in the fountain opened for sin and unclean- 
ness ; and freed from the pollutions of this world : 1 
Tim. ii. 8. Let no one tljink of standing in his holy 
place, till he has first v. ashed his hands : Ps. xxvi. 6. 
But it will not do to have a white hand and a black heart ; 
for we must he pure before God, as well as clean before 
men. '- Clean hands and a pure heart '\ must go 
together. Sinners are the objects of God's love ; but 
sin is the cursed thing that he hates : Rom. v. 8. In 
purity and holiness he delights ; and without this, no man 
ever did, or ever shall see the Lord : Heb. xii. 14. 
This purity of heart, with every other needed blessing, 
has been purchased for you by Christ Jesus . 1 Cor. i. 30. 



TO PURITY. 265 

•''"Blessed are the pure in heart ; for they shall see God." Matt. v. 8, 

Happiness is the legitimate offspring of Holiness. 
Religion in the head will produce giddiness ; unless the 
heart be washed from wickedness: Jer. iv. 14, 

1st. '^ Blessed are the pure in heart ; " yea, it is their 
present blessedness to be children of a holy God ; mem- 
bers of the holy Jesus ; subjects of the holy Spirit's 
renewing influence ; and partakers of a holy faith : Rom. 
viii. 15 — 17. Hence, it is natural to every holy, new- 
born soul, to love holiness, as agreeable to the perfections 
of God, and conducive to their own happiness : Ps. cxix. 
97. How destitute of true blessedness must they be who 
suppose, that holiness tends to produce gloominess ! 
They, and they alone, are truly blessed, whose hearts 
have been washed from the pollutions of sin ; from worldly 
lusts ; from all unchaste desires ; and from all filthiness 
both of flesh and spirit: Mark vii. 21 — 23. And who 
possess a heart purified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ : 
Gal. V. 6. Nothing short of an application of the blood 
of Christ, by faith, can make the heart of man clean : 1 
John i. 7. And the only way to keep the heart pure, 
is, to keep it from sin: 2 Cor. vi. 17, 18. The pure in 
heart are blessed now: and shall be blessed hereafter. 

2d. '^ They shall see God^ They see hhn noiv by an 
eye of faith ; and that makes them blessed ; even while 
upon earth : 2 Cor. iv. 7. It is true, they have but a 
small degree of blessedness wdiile here, when compared 
w^ith what awaits them ; on account of their having: so 
imperfect a view of God ; for they can only see him like 
looking at the Sun through a dark thick glass : I Cor. 
xiii. 12. But if such a faint sight of God makes a heaven 
upon earth, what a blessed Heaven of heavens must 
Heaven be, when they shall see him as he is ! 1 John 
iii. 2. A stranger intermeddleth not with the blessedness, 
the holy joy, and sweet compldcency, possessed by '' the 
pure ill heart y^^ in bringing forth the precious fruits of 
holiness. Every disciple of Jesus is called to the know- 
ledge and enjoyment of this blessedness ; it is free for all 
who will seek after it ; and none can be happy without 
it. Do you possess this blessedness ? What, then, shall 
be the determining rule of your conduct ? Let your 
heart be pure, and your life holy and happy. 
23* 



266 TO IMPROVING OUR TALENTS. 

*' In all labor there is profit; but the talk of the lips tendeth only 
to penury." Prov. xiv. 23. 

All talk and no work may appear respectable ; but 
will nev^er prove profitable. As it is in matters which 
belong to the body, so it is with those which concern the 
soul. " In all labor,'''' whether of the head or the hand, 
^' there is profit. ^^ Observe, 

1st. Working without talking is profitable. Industri- 
ous people, whatever might be their calling, are generally 
thriving people ; and it is the diligent hand that earns 
and turns the penny. And there is nothing more natural 
than for those who labor to look to their employers for 
their wages : Deut. xxiv. 14, 15. And all who labor in 
the Lord, may depend upon it their labors shall not be 
forgotten : Heb. vi. 10. The m.ost we can do for the 
Lord is but little ; and that little it is our interest to do ; 
for our religion must consist in work as well as talk ; or 
we shall not profit by it. The man who has to commence 
business with a small capital must be industrious if he 
would become rich : Prov. x. 4. They who labor in the 
Lord are united to him, derive all their strength from him, 
are employed by him, and should earnestly endeavor 
to improve the talents they have received of him : Luke 
xix. 13. 

2d. Talking \^ithout woi'klng ^* tendeth only to pen- 
ury ^ Great talkers are generally little workers ; unless 
talking is their business. Those that love to talk much 
o/" their business, and make more noise than woik, and 
waste their time in telling and hearing something new, 
will soon \^'aste what they have, and learn by sad expe- 
rience, ''the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury J^ 
In the affairs of our souls, it is true, much may be done 
by talking. Every individual has, at least, one talent : 
and which they should labor to improve. Let those \^ ho 
have a preaching talent faithfully improve it ; wliile those 
who have not that talent, should do all they can to sup- 
port those who have ; and labor themselves in every other 
possible way to instruct others. Whoever strives earnestly 
in prayer will find profit in it ; and a word spoken in 
season to encourage others will be profitable. But our 
religion must not all run off in talking. In improving our 
talents we improve ourselves and others. 



TO IMPROVING OUR TALENTS. 267 

"Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful 
over a few things, 1 will make thee ruler over many things: enter 
thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matt. xxv. 23. 

Our Lord designs by this parable to show us, that we 
are all the servants of God ; that he has given to each 
of us what he pleases ; and we are in duty bound to im- 
prove what we have received ; whether it be one, two, 
or five talents ; and be satisfied with it. The gifts which 
God bestows, and the opportunities he affords for our 
usefulness, are called pounds, Luke xix. J 3, or talents : 
Matt. xxv. 15. And though he gives to some, more than 
he does to others, yet, all ought faithfully to improve 
what they receive. He who improved his two talents 
met with the same kind and honorable approval, " Well 
done,^^ as the one who had improved his^i^e. Each was 
declared to be a '' Good and faithful servant. ^^ A hum- 
ble believer may be ready to ask, How can I be good, 
when 1 have no good thing belonging to me ? Rom. vii. 
18 : or how can / be a faithful servant, who have proved 
so ?infaithful in everything ? and what is it that I have 
do7ie well ? Notwithstanding, the Saviour will say to those 
who have done good with their goods, •' Thou hast been 
faithful over a few things " which I have em rusted thee 
with ; and though they were but few, now ■' 1 will malce 
thee ruler over many things : " Matt. xxiv. 46, 47. And 
since it is impossible for all thy Lord's joy to enter thee^ 
"^ Enter thou into the joy oj thy Lord: " Rev. i. 5, 6. 

Have you no talent to improve ? not one ? Have you 
no work to do ? Be assured of it, we have all constant 
works that demand our close and serious attention. 1st. 
Works of piety : — Such as praying and praising ; read- 
ing and hearing the word of God ; with all other public, 
private, and social means of grace. 2d. Works of mer- 
cy : — We are to instruct the ignorant, admonish the 
profane, visit the sick, relieve the needy, comfort the dis- 
tressed, pray for our enemies, do good unto all men, and 
bless them that curse us. 3d. Works of self-denial : — • 
To deny ourselves whatever is sinful, to put off the old 
man, to mortify the deeds of the body, to crucify the 
jflesh with its affections and lusts ; must be our constant 
employment. We must in all things do welly to meet 
with a " Well'doneJ^ 



268 TO CONTENTMENT. 

" Let not thine heart envy sinners : but be thou in the fear of the 
Lord all the day long. For surrly there is an end; and thine ex- 
pectation shall not be cut off." Prov. xxiii. 17, 18. 

Envy is one of the Devil's brats ; and never should be 
nursed by any child of God. The joy of envy is another's 
wo ; ai>d the man of envy is never half so blest as when 
he sees a brother fall from wealth to want ; from peace 
to strife ; from honor to reproach ; from mirth to tears ; 
or when virtue makes a slip : Prov. xiv. 30. 

1st. '^'het not thine heart envy sinners^^ who take plea- 
sure in their sins ; but rather pity them. For what good 
things they now have, and for which they barter their 
all, will shortly be taken from them ; and they will find 
they have made a sad bargain : Matt. xvi. 26. Do not 
^^ envy sinners " their prosperity, for that is their only 
portion: Ps. xvii. 14 : and that which they grow fat on 
now will poison them in the end : Prov. i. 32. 

2d. ''But be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day 
lo7ig.^' Make it your daily business to ''fear the Lord ; " 
and while you are thus every day employed, you will have 
neither time nor disposition to " envy sinners.^'' While 
blest w^ith a sense of His love, you can have nothing to 
wish or to fear ; but will be thankful for what you have, 
and willing to want what He is not willing to give ; and 
though you may have a light pocket, that will not keep 
you from a merry heart: Prov. xv. 15, 16. 

3d. " For surely there is an end ; " and things will not 
continue long as they now are. " There is an end " to 
the prosperity of the wicked : Ps. Ixxiii. 18, 19 : an end 
to all their pursuits, profits, pleasures, and enjoyments : 
1 Cor. vii. 3L " There is an end " also to the labors, 
trials, bufietings, afflictions, and spiritual fightings, of them 
that " fear the Lord : " 2 Cor. iv. 17. Our life will have 
an end : Gen. iii. 19. Whatever our present condition 
might be, we cannot continue in it long. " For surely 
there is an end ; and thine expectation shall not be cut 
off: " Jer. xxix. 11. Whatever God has promised you, 
shall not only be done, but wonderfully outdone : Rom. 
XV. 4. Consider the end ; make use of the means ; and 
press on to the end: Phil. iii. 1, 14* Contentment 
with godliness is great gain ; it renders its possessor easy ; 
and gives him pleasure in what he has. 



TO CONTENTMENT. 269^ 

"Godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Tim. vi. 6. 

Sometimes the term, ^' godliness,^^ more immediately 
refers to that particular part of religion, which concerns 
our duty to God ; but here, we regard it as including the 
whole of genuine religion ; consisting of doctrines, duties, 
and privileoes. They who make Christianity a trade, 
will never find themselves to be gainers by it in the end ; 
but all who closely attend to it as a callings will find it 
a most beneficial one. Many who are strangers to god- 
liness, hope to make a gain of it ; but all who are 
acquainted with it, know from experience, that '' Godli- 
ness ivitJi contentment is great gain : " Ps. xxxvii. 16. 
Godliness and contentment are constant companions ; for 
true contentment grows out of real godliness ; and that 
is the Christian's wealth while in this world : Prov. xvi. 
16. It is the wisdom of God to give to men, not all 
alike, but, what seemeth him good ; and it is the wisdom 
of man to be content with what he receives ; and it is 
^^ godliness/^ which, itself is gain, that makes a man 
content in every situation : Phil. Iv. 11. 

A holy man has a heart happy in itself ; bliss in his 
bosom ; counts enougli, wealth ; envies none their lot ; 
his wishes are few, and easy to be obtained ; his power 
bounds his will ; care he has none : doing well is his 
treasure ; grace is his health ; and changes in Providence 
make no change in him ; for though he stays in ihe 
world he lives far above it : Ps. Ixxiii. 25. The only 
true way to gain is, to become a Christian ; and the 
Christian's gain is godliness ; which far exceeds all 
worldly gain ; and godliness being accompanied with 
contentment makes it ''great Q;ain : " Phil. iii. 7, 8. 
Past things can never be recalled ; and future things are 
in the hand of God : let us, therefore, be content with 
the things we have : Heb. xiii. 5. Consider, 1st. What 
good things of this life you have. Be they little or much, 
do you deserve them ? Lam. iii. 2*2. Consider, 2d. 
What spiritual blessings you have. You have the un- 
changing love of God fixed upon you : Jer. xxxi. 3. 
You have the life, death, and intercession of the Son of 
God, for your righteousness, sanctification, and redemp- 
tion : 1 Cor. i. 30. You have the Holy Spirit of God^ 
for your Guide, Comforter, &;c. : John xiv. 16^ 26, 



CHAPTER 111. 

PROMISES TO DUTIES BELONGING TO BOTH TABLES, 
TO THE MEEK. 



"The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the 
poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy one of Israel." Isa. 
xxix. 19. 

He is the 2;reatest conqueror who has subdued himself. 
And the man who gets and keeps the victory over him- 
self is, by far a greater victor than was Alexander ; in 
as much as he quells an insurrection at home, which is 
more glorious than to resist an invasion irom abroad : 
Prov. xvi. 32. 

'' The meek, " the humble, lowly, and contrite in 
heart, who tremblo at God's word and make it the rule 
of their life, are the happiest, and most honorable people 
in the world : Isa. Ivii. 15. They have joy to which 
the world are entire strangers : Joljn xiv. 22, 23. The 
poor in spirit will never be injured by poverty in pocket ; 
for when affliction comes, they will always be able to 
accommodate themselves to their affliction : Job ii. 10. 
The meek can find joy in the Lord, when there is none 
to be found in the world ; and as they are enabled to 
rejoice in all their tribulations, when deliverance comes 
they '^increase in joy. ^^ The best joy the world can 
give is fading ; but a believer's joy in the Lord is in- 
creasing : Prov. iv. 18. The followers of the meeJc and 
lowly Jesus, are, in general, " the poor among men f^ 
but their poverty shall not deprive them of ihdiijoy which 
is to be had in the Lord : Heb. vi. 17, 18 ; for it is 
promised to the patient: Rom. v. 3 : the humble: Ps. 
ixix. 32 : and all such as suffer the will of God : 1 Pet. 
y. 10. Meekness cannot fail to increase our happiness* 



TO THE MEEK* 271 

" The ofttament ofa meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight 
of God of great price. '^ 1 Pet. iii. 4. 

Fine feathers make fine birds ; but fine clothes can 
never adorn a naked soul: Rev. iii. 17. Sin stripped 
the soul stark naked ; consequently, the soul needs cov- 
ering as much, yea, more than the body ; although many^ 
while they spare no pains to decorate the poor perishing 
body, remain careless and Unconcerned about their pre- 
cious soul ! The silly sheep, and poor silk-worm, may 
furnish our bodies with clothing ; but nothing less than 
the righteousness of Christ can clothe the soul : 1 Cor. i* 
30 : Phih iii. 9* 

The souFs best ornaments are the graces of the Spirit 
of God ; and amongst others, that of '^' a meek and quiet 
spirit, " Humility, Piety, and Prudence, are ornaments 
that never wax old, or grow out of fashion, like other 
ornaments ; and though many weak minds think lightly 
of them, they are "• in the sight of God, ^^ who estimates 
things according to their true value, '' oj great price : " ~ 
Ps. cxlix. 4. Men may despise such ornaments, but 
that in no way lessens their value ; neither does it make 
them to look any the worse on those who wear them : 
Ps. xxxvii. 11. Beauty is but skin-deep; and soon 
marred. But if you would wish to appear truly beautiful^ 
see to it that you have the hidden man of the heart 
adorned, which can never fail to attract the eye of God : 
Ps. XXV. 9. And the heart being rightly clothed, wull 
teach you how to dress the body ; and to bear up under 
all its sufferings : Prov. xix. 11. 

By faith the soul is united to Jesus ; abideth in him ; 
and receiveth out of his fulness grace for grace. Faith 
worketh by love ; and love maketh the heart comfortable, 
and conformable to his laws. By daily fellowship with 
God our Saviour, we become more and more conformed 
to his lovely likeness. By constantly conversing with 
Jesus, love is maintained in the heart ; and '' a meek and 
quiet spirit " ever accompanies love. As we love to 
see our children well-dressed, so doth the Lord greatly 
rejoice over all his dear children in Christ Jesus ; and is 
highly pleased v/ith their dress, which is the spotless robe 
of his Son's righteousness ; and with their ornaments, 
the graces of his Spirit. 



272 TO THE HUMBLE. 

"Though the Lord be high, yet he hath respect unto the lowly." 
Ps. cxxxviii. 6. 

The way to get up high is to come down low. Those 
who patiently bear contempt from wicked men, shall be 
respected by God and all good men : Prov. xvi. J 9. 

'"' Though the Lord be high, ^' and independent of all 
his creatures, he is not unmindful of his creatures ; and 
such is the favor he bears to the humble, that he never 
forgets their cry: Ps. ix. 12. Guard against pride as a 
thing unbecoming our character ; a disgrace to our pro- 
fession ; a dishonor to our Saviour ; a badge of Satan's 
livery ; a fruit of the flesh ; and contrary to the Spirit. 
And though the proud may despise the humble, " yet 
the Lord hath respect unto them:" Prov. xvi. 19. 
^* Though the Lord be high ; " though his being and 
perfections are exalted infinitely above every creature^ 
not only high above all that they can have, but above 
all that they can conceive concering him, ^' yet hath he 
respect unto the lowly. " He is the High and lofty One, 
higher than the highest : Eccl. v. 8. Yea, He is higher 
than the highest heavens : Ps. cxiii. 4 : and Lord alone : 
Neh. ix. 5, 6. Yet, He is not so high but he can stoop 
so lov/ as to respect the lowly ; and is so well pleased 
with them, that he deigns to bow over the battlements 
of heaven, to cast a gracious look upon them : Isa. Ivii. 
15. And even while He has heaven for his throne, 
and EARTH for his footstool. He overlooks both to look 
and smile upon them: Isa. Ixvi. 1, 2. '-He hath re- 
spect'' unto the humble penitent, and accepts of him ; 
while he looks at the proud afar oiF. 

Those who scorn to be beholding to the grace of God, 
expose themselves to the scorn of the God of grace : 
Prov. iii. 34. But those who humble themselves to bear 
the cross, shall be exalted to wear the crown : 2 Tim. 
iv. 8. The surest way to become rich and honorable, 
is. to become poor and contemptible : Prov. xxii. 4. The 
humblest sinners make the brightest saints : Job xxii. 
29. Say, Christian, is the love of God in Christ Jesus 
the source of all present grace, and the security of future 
glory ? Surely this ought to sink us low^ and keep us 
humble ! yet, it should excite hope and keep us rejoicing 
in the Redeemer. 



Id THE HUMBLE. S7$ 

*^fte that humbleth himself shall be exalted.''' Luke xviii. 14. 

Whei^ we come before God it should be in our rags; 
and not in our robes : Prov. xi. 2. The proud hypocrite 
justifies himself ; but God justifies the humble sinner : 
Luke xviii. 13, 14. Humbleness, or humility, consi?' ^ 
in having low thoughts of ourselves, and a sense of Our 
weakness and unworthiness ; and acting accordingly : 
James iv. 6. In this frame of njind we imitate God, 
who, though high, humbleth himself; that is, condescends 
to look upon and care for all his creatures : Ps. cxiii. 6 : 
and imitate Christ, who is meek and lowly ; and who 
for our sakes, condescends to make himself of no reputa- 
tion : Phil. ii. 6 — ^S. This temper is highly pleasing to 
God ; and prepares us for farther degrees of fellowship 
witli hi n, and blessings from him : Prov. xxii. 4. 

'' He that humbleth himself ^^ under a sense of the 
greatness of his sins becomes subject to God ; and by 
Him ^' shall he exalted : ^^ Prov. xxix. 23. Humility 
evinces its subject to be a child of God ; and is joined 
with peace ; contentment ; and resignation to the will of 
God : James iy. 6, 10. A sense of our nothingness 
grows out of an acquaintance with ourselves ; and is a tem* 
per of soul that prepares for an increase of faith. -' He that 
humbleth himself" may appear least among men ; but 
he shall be greatest in the kingdom of H^eaven : Matt. 
>xviii. 4. He shall be exalted into the favor and family 
of God: John i. 12. He shall have the privilege of 
holding converse with God ; as a child with a Father ; 
and when he shall come of age, be exalted as high as the 
throne of God : Rom. viii. 14 — -18. It is the free and 
eternal love of God which is the source of every blessing 
we receive from him: Rom. xl. 6 : for we havenothinoc 
of our own, but sin ; and nothing in which we can boast, 
but the cross of Christ: Gal. vi. 14. What have we to 
be proud of? It is impossible for a proud sinner and a 
holy God ever to be reconciled ; for God resisteth the 
proud, as being enemies both to him and his : 1 Pet. v. 
5. The first step toward heaven, is humility ; and every 
succeeding step must be humility. Humility makes men 
to look like angels ; and the want of it made angels to 
become devils: Jude 6. A Christian never looks so 
well as when fully clothed with humility from head to foot 
24 



274 TO THE CONTRITE AND MOURXERS* 

•* The Lord is nigh unto them thai are of a broken heart ; aod 
saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." Ps. xxxiv. 18. 

Many love to sin with David, while but few love to 
repent with David : Ps. xli. 4. No prayers, no tears, 
no duties, no conditions, can heal the wound that sin has 
made ; no ; our best works, and holiest duties, are stained 
with pollution : nothing but the blood of the Lamb can 
oring peace to the conscience, and healing lo the soul : 
John i. :29. As Chjist's body was broken for our sins, 
so should our hearts be broken on account of our sins. 

'• Tke Lord is nigh unto thtm that are of a broJcen 
heart : '' notwithstanding they may think to the contrarj' ; 
and suppose that their crimes are of so flagrant a nature; 
and their sins of so deep a dye, that the Lord will not 
have mercy on them ; and that, in consequence of their 
having sinned against so much light and love, God has 
taken an everlasting flight ; and will no more return to 
have compassion on them : Ps. Ixxvii. 7 — 9. It is God 
alone can make the hard heart to become soft : Job xxiii. 
16. And when the Lord causes the heart to be broken 
on account of sin, He is always nigh td have compassion 
on the penitent sinner : Lam. iii. 32, 33. His mercy 
endureth forever ; which is a s^ood reason whv mourninc^ 
cannot la-t long: Ps. ciii. 17. \qu may have broken 
many promises, and the thought of your faithlessness may 
break your heart ; but let it not cause you to despair ; 
for God will never break his : Heb. vi. IS. 

•'• The Lord is nigh unto you ; "' not only as a Icoker- 
on, but as a helper; '^'' and savelh such as be of a contrite 
spirit.'^ He supports and com.foits thcra, lest their spirits 
should become too much broken: Isa. Ivii. 15. They 
whose hearts are truly broken, that is, humbled, wounded, 
pained, and troubled, at the sight of their sins, shall 
assuredly be saved froin their sins ; for he saveth such : 
Ps. li. 17. There is balm in Gilead ; and He will heal 
every wound that sin has made : and bind up the broken 
bleeding heart : Ps. cxlvii. 3. For mourning, he will 
give singing ; and for sorrow, laughter : Eccl. vii. 4. 
Go humbly to the Ix)rd ; confess your sin with all its 
aggravation ; use the Publican's plea, '' God be merciful 
to me a sinner ! " and you will find him more faithful 
and just to forgive your sins, than you are to confess them. 



TO THE CONTRITE AND MOURNERS. 275 

•** Blessed are the poor in spirit; for their's is the kingdom of 
feeaven." Matt. v. 3. 

Poverty in the spirit is better than gold in the pocket. 
Consider, 1st. Who are the ^^^ poor in spirit 1 " Among 
men, those are counted poor, who are destitute of 
what this world calls good. And the ^^ poor in spirit " 
are those who have no riches spiritually ; and being 
sensible of their lost and undone condition, they labor 
under great dejection, and are ready to say, '' Even in 
laughter my heart is sorrowful ; and the end of mirth is 
heaviness : " Pro v. xiv. 13. They behold themselves 
as destitute of ev^ery spiritual good. Such are the ''poor 
in spirit J^ 2d. What is the kingdom of heaven ? 
"Neither shall they say, Lo here ! or Lo there! for be- 
hold, the kingdom of God is ivithin you: *' Luke xvii. 
21 . Jesus Cheist himself is emphatically called ''the 
KINGDOM OF heaven: " Matt. iii. 2, 3. And it is very 
hard for those who fancy themselves rich, to deny them- 
selves and enter this kingdom ; to strip themselves, and, 
by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, to be found clothed 
in his righteousness : 1 Cor. i. 30. '^ Their's is the 
Tcingdom oj heaven,'^'' 3d. How did the kingdoui of 
heaven become the property of the '^ poor in spirit 1 '^ 
Observe, it does not say, their's shall 6e, but **' their's is 
the kingdom of heaven." How came it their's ? By 
the love of God ; and the gijt of God. '• For God so 
loved the world that he gave them his only begotten 
Son : " John iii. 16. -' Herein is Jove, not that we loved 
God, but that he Joved us : " 1 John iv. 10. And 4th. 
In what their blessedness consists ? '^ Blessed are the 
poor in spirit ; for their's is the kingdom of heaven." 
Thus it is ei'ident, the possession of Christ is the cause 
of their blessedness ; they «re blessed in the enjoyment 
of him. They are blessed in Christ Jesus with all spir- 
itual blessings. He is their wisdom ; righteousness ; 
sanctification ; and redemption : 1 Cor. i. 30. Jesus is 
unto them all they need ; and his Church is made up of 
humble, self-abased, contrite souls. 

A man must be emptied of self, before he can be filled 
with Christ ; he must become ''poor in spirit ^^ before 
he can become rich in grace : James iv. 6 — 10. Any man 
who lives beneath the dignity of a Christian is poor-spirhed^ 



276 TO THEM THAT SUFrER FOK 

" Hear the word of tlie Lord ; Ye that tremble at his word ; Tour 
brethren that hated you, oast yon out for my name's sake, said, Let 
the Lord be glorified ; but he sluill appear to your joy, and they 
shall be ashamed." Isa. IxTi. 5. 

f Here, Christiarij is a preface that demands your serious 
attention. '• Hear the ivard of the Lord ; '^ whether 
you be rich or poor ; bond or free ; both far and near, 
give it your most serious attention. " Ye that tremble 
at his word,^' from a sense of the authority and hoHness 
of it ; and choose rather to suffer than violate it : and 
are under a holy awe of the purity and goodness of the 
Lord : Jer. xxxiii. Listen attentively^ " Your brethren 
that hated you/^ hated me before they hated you : John 
XV. 18. Notwithstanding, they strive to make it appear 
that they loved you ; but your conduct was so base, and 
they were so pious, they were compelled to ^'^ cast you 
out for my nanie^s salted The truly pious \\ ho endeavor 
in all things to glorify God, who reverence his v. ord, and 
make it alone their only rule of faith and practice, have 
ever found hypocrites and rotten professors, to be their 
most cruel persecutors ; and vent all their rage under 
the cloak of religion : 1 Pet. iv. 12. It is nothing neWy 
or uncommon, for those who are farthest from Gcd, to 
boast of living nearest the cliurch ; and to cast cut those 
who live nearest to God. Our Lord told his disciples 
the Jl^orZc? would hate ihem : John xv. ]9 : but he never 
told them, that the World would kiU them ; O, r^o ; He 
well knevv^ it would take a professor of religion to do that. 
Hence, he says, '' They shall put you cut of their syna- 
gogues ; yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth 
YOU, will think that he doeth God service : John xvi.. 
2. Though it is evident, that such are, not only of the 
world, but the worst part of the v/orld ; still they are 
not so called ; neither do they consider themselves such ; 
for w hen they persecute and cast out their brethren^ they 
very devoutly say, '' Let the Loed be glorified ^ It is 
a lamentable fact, that owing to unsound professors hav- 
ing too frequently the rule in churches, the whole artilery 
of Church-censures, are levelled against her best friends. 
And such is their blind zeal, that they, according to con- 
science, persecute the followers of God with all the 
formalities of true devotion : Ps. xiv. 6. But '^ He shall 
ajppear to your joy \ " so that all is working for you^ 



BIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE. 277 

<* Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they sha4l 
separate you from their company, and sliall reproach you, and cast 
out your name as evil for the Son of man's sake." Luke vi.22. 

It matters but little who speaks ill of you, so loDg as 
God speaks well of you. Whatever might be the be- 
liever's condition it is always a blessed condition ; for all 
things work together for their internal and eternal good : 
Rom. viii. 28. Christ is a precious Master to serve ! 
and all who have tried his service have proved it. A 
iighteous cause may have brought you into suffering, and 
the anathamas of men may be flying thick around you, 
but lei not that disturb you ; for your Lord declares, 

'' Blessed are ye,'' But remember, it is faith that 
brings God, and Christ, and heaven, and happiness into 
the soul ; for though you cannot live without trials, faith 
will enable you to live above them : Rom. i. 17. 
'^ Blessed are ye, ivhen men shall hate yoiL^^ It may 
seem a distressed case, for men to hate you ; but how- 
ever oihers may look at it, do you consider it a blessed 
state to be in ; for such the Saviour calls it. " Blessed 
ARE ye," in as much as you are having all the evil things 
you ever will have ; and are highly honored, in having 
such an opportunity afforded you of glorifying Christ: 
Acts V. 41 : and of enjoying the special visits and com- 
forts of his grace : 2 Cor. i. 5. ^^ And when they shall 
separate you from their company ^'''^ as one altogether un- 
worthy their society ; and shall look upon you as the 
ofFscourlng of all things, and the filth of the world, even 
then, *^ blessed are ye : " 1 Cor. iv. 13. And when, to 
justify their cruel, and hateful conduct towaids you, 
they '^ shall reproach you,^^ by giving you a most dis- 
graceful character, saying all that hatred can invent- 
against you ; "^ blessed are ?/e." You can not serve 
Christ faithfully without giving offence; offences will 
come ; but never be offended with them. And when 
men are ofiended at you, and hate, and separate you from 
their company, and reproach you, '^ and cast out your 
name as evil,^^ think it not strange ; for so persecuted they 
the prophiUs which were before you, both in time and ex- 
ample : Matt. v. 12. Only be careful to know that it is 
'' for the Son of man's salce^ Take up the cross that 
lies in your way, but never pull one down upon your head, 
24* 



278 TO PATIENCE AND SUBMISSION, 

'• The hope of the righteous shall be gladness." Prov. x. 28. 

We should patiently endure the ills we cannot cure. 
The scriptures assure us, " There are none righteous, 
no, not one : " Rom. iii. 10. Yet we must so receive 
this testim^ony as to correspond with other declarations of 
the word of God ; for His word must not be held up as con- 
tradictory. As none are righteous in the sight of God, 
who keep not the whole law, and nothing is more evident 
than, that all have sinned, Rom. v. 12, and violated the 
law, 1 John iii. 4, it follows, that Jesus Christ, and Jesus 
Christ alone, is the righteous man of the Scriptures ; and 
that, as many as put on the Lord Jesus Christ, are con- 
sidered as righteous in his righteousness : Jer. iii. 6 : xxxiii. 
16 : Rom. iv. 6—8. 

It generally happens, that the righteous have but little 
in hand ; though they have much in hope : Rom. viii. 
24, 25. They have a firm expectation of all that will 
be good for them in time and eternity. And their hope 
is founded, not on mere supposition, or the word of 
changeable man, but on the promises, relations, and per- 
fections of God : Ps. Ixxxiv. 11 : and the righteousness 
and intercession of Christ : 1 John iii. 2, 3. " The hope 
of the righteous " is called, '^ the hope of the gospel ; '^ 
as it is begotten by Gospel-means, and is founded on the 
gracious promises and assurances contained in the gospel : 
Col. i. 23. It is a good hope built on a good foundation ; 
1 Thess. ii. 16 : has a good object : 1 Tim. i. 1 : and 
*in the end ''shall be gladness ;" Col. i. 5. ''The 
righteous" have a lively hope, springing from a spiritual 
life ; which renders them lively, active and useful : 1 
Pet. i. 3. And all their hopes shall be realized to their 
unspeakable comfort : Phil. i. 21, 22. The strongest 
comforts that the world can afford, are far too weak to 
support the soul under persecutions, temptations, and 
death ; but the " hope of the righteous '' is steadfast ; so_ 
that, in the worst of times, they have a believing confi- 
dence in God, which keeps them from despair : Ps. xlii. 
5. " The hope of the righteous '' is their anchor in the 
storm ; and shall be gladness when the storm is over. 
Spiritual pleasures they now have : and endless joys 
are prepared for them; and shall be enjoyed by them ; 
Ps. xcvii. 11. 



TO PATIENCE AND SUBMISSION. 279 

"If when you do well, and suffer for if, and take it patiently, 
this is acceptable with God. " 1 Pet.ii. 20. 

Well—doing will not exempt you from suffering ; but 
it is good to suffer in a good cause : 1 Pet. iii. 14. A 
lively faith begets a cheerful heart ; a joyful hope makes 
a resigned soul ; and a humble mind produceth a patient 
spirit. 

^' If when you do ivell, " you should find that no se- 
curity from the malice and mischief of men, but, on the 
contrary, have to '^ suffer for it/' let it not cause you 
to grow weary in well-doing; nor give you any uneasi- 
ness ; seeing your labor of love shall not be forgotten : 
Heb. vi. 10. ^' Ye have need of patience;" for you 
have enemies the most trying and provoking to contend 
with ; and trials to endure that will bring all your graces 
into a lively exercise : Heb. x. 36. Endeavor to keep a 
conscience void of offence toward God and man ; and 
then, fear nothing you may be called to suffer : Acts 
xxiv. 16. Bow in humble submission to the rod ; bearing 
in mind, that to suffer for well'doing, the cause of truth, 
or any part of a Christian's duty, should be considered 
a great honor: Acts. v. 41, 42. What you may be 
called to endure may be attended with a little pain , but 
shall be followed by great pleasure ; and though you may 
suffer little, you will gain much, if you '^ taJce if patient^ 
ly : " Rom. viii. 35 — 37. Let not the greatness of your 
sufferings ever discourage you : 2 Tim. ii. 12 : nor the 
number of your enemies frighten you: 1 Pet iii. 14. 
For though you may not be able to face them, bear in 
mind, that your enemies are God's enemies, and He is 
more than a match for them ; and will not suffer them 
to hurt you, though they may be permitted to annoy 
you : Acts xviii. 10. Satan will take advantage of your 
distress ; and no marvel if he cast the same dart at you, 
that he threw at your divine Lord ; '^ If thou be the 
Son of God, " why doth thy loving Father suffer such 
distress and affliction to come upon thee ? Faith can 
answer every objection. ^' Shall not the Judge of all the 
earth do right ? " Yea, for He cannot do wrong. By 
faith we stand ; by patience we endure. Christ was 
patient under all his weight of sufferings ; do you, as a 
Christian; copy after his example ; and suffer patiently. 



280 TO PERSEVERANCE. 

" The righteous shall hold on his way; and he that hath clean 
hands shall be stronger and stronger. " Job xvii. 9. 

Continuance in the truth, is the touchstone of faith. 
Jesus is precious only to them that believe: 1 Pet. ii. 7. 
There are, however, many who profess his word, but not 
being his disciples indeed, they will not continue long ; 
and will follow him bat a short distance. All such, never 
having beheld themselves as wretched, and miserable, 
and poor, and blind, and naked, they but lighty esteem 
the Saviour. Little things soon put them to a stand. 
But, 

'' The righteous, " who are truly sensible that they 
have no wisdom, no righteousness, no sanctification, no 
redemption, but what they have in Christ, will highly 
prize him ; and every such one •• shall hold on his ivay : " 
1 Cor. i. 30. All who are truly righteous, are known 
by their walkin_g in the ways of righteousness : Ps. xxiii, 
3. '^ The righteous '' are all on a journey from this 
w^orld to a better: Heb. xi. 16. And so very difficult is 
some part of their way, that, sometimes, they stumble, and 
would assuredly tumble w^as it not for their Guide : Ps. 
XXX vii. 23, 24. At other times, they are exposed to 
great dangers from enemies w-aylaying them : Ps. xxxviii. 
12 : and perhaps, about the sarrie-time, their way be- 
comes so dark, that they cannot see one inch before 
them : Isa. 1. 10 : still, so far are they from thinking of 
turning, that each one perseveres, and '' holds on his 
way, " Difficulties and dangers may present them.selves^ 
and the enemy may suggest, that it is useless to proceed, 
for one day or other he will assuredly fall ; and therefore, 
might as w^ell give up at first as at last. But he does not 
stand deliberating whether it is best to proceed or return ; 
for, having no armor for the back, he looks to his God, 
and ^^ holds on his way : " 1 Sam. ii. 9. 

^' He that hath clean hands " may make himself easy 
about his feet ; for so long as he walks in the path of 
duty, he need have no fears as to his safety : Ps. xxxvii. 
31. One W'ho has been made sick of sin, will endeavor 
to keep his hands clean from sin. And by looking upoiK 
the trials and afflictions of ethers who feared God, and 
seeing how they w^ere supported under, and delivered 
from them, he grows ^^ stronger and stronger. '^ 



TO PERSEVERANCE. 281 

"Lot us not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall 
reap, if we faint not. " Gal. vi. 9. 

Christians, who have had so much good done for 
them, should never grow tired in doing good to others: 
1 Cor. XV. 58. Not a crumb of comfort, or a drop of 
cold water, given in the name of Christ to one of his 
disciples, shall be forgotten by him. 

'' Lid us not be weary in well-doing ; " for it is easier 
to do well, than to do ill ; but still, owing to the opposi- 
tion Ys^e find in our own nature, as also from the many 
hindrances we meet from a persecuting, malicious, and 
gainsaying world, there is a danger of becoming '' weary 
in well-doing : " 2 John 8, 9. We are called, not to 
loiter, but to labor ; not to stand idle, but to work ; not 
merely to talk of Christ, but to follow^ him, in precept 
and example. The wise Disposer of all events, in the 
distribution of his providence, has given much of this 
world's goods to son^e, that they might have an opportu- 
nity of doing good to others : Deut. xv. 10 : as also, to 
try the faith and patience of the poor: James i. 2 — 4. 
Instead of being weary, and thinking because v^^e have 
repeatedly done good, that we are not to do so again^ 
let us -eek for fresh opportunities to do good ; resting 
assurtMi that we can never do too much : 2 Cor. ix. G — 8. 

'' For in due season we shall reap " the blessings of 
God upon that wdiich we have: Isa. Iviii. 7, 8. And 
also, the blessings, and benefit of tlieir prayers to whom 
we have done good ; while we shall reap the solid satis- 
faction of having done that which v>as pleasing to God, 
and beneficial to our fellow men ; and which cannot fail 
to be a never-ftiling spring of peace and consolation unto 
us: Isa. Iviii. 10, 11. The husbandman does not ex- 
pect to reap a good harvest without ploughing and 
sowing ; yet, he is encouraged to periorni his daily toil 
with cheerfulness, by the hope of reaping, ^* in due 
season, ^^ Let us, then, labor with all our might, doing 
whatever labor our hands may find to do ; knowing that 
we also '^ sliall reap in due season if ice faint not, '' 
Luke vi. 38. We must fiot grow^ weary and withdraw 
from well-doing, or we shall l)oth lose our harvest, and the 
seed w^e have already sown : Matt. x. 22. Our rew^ard 
iiav be lon^ delayed, but it will come in " due scason^^^ 



CHAPTER IV. 



PROMISES RELATING TO THE STATE OF THE CHURCH. 



OF THE ENLARGEMENT OF THE CHURCH. 



" In that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand 
for an ensign of ibe people; to it shall the Gentiles seek; and his 
rest shall he glorious. ' Isa. xi. 10. 

Christians never need expect any favor from world- 
lings : John XV. 1 9 : they ought, therefore, as one 
family, to be united among themselves, that they might 
assist and protect each other : John xiii. 35. '' In that 
day, " the day of Christ the Saviour, '^ there shall be a 
root of Jesse : " Rom. xv. 12 ; and though many look 
upon him as ^^ a root out of dry ground : '^ Isa. liii. 2 : he 
shall rise a flourishing branch out of Jesse's root. He 
is the root of David : Rev. v. 5 : and the offspring of 
David : Rev. xxii. 16. '^ Which shall stand for an en" 
sign of the people, ^^ Ensigns, Banners, or Standards, 
are colors borne in time of Vvar, for assembling, distin- 
. guishing, directing, and encouraging the people. When 
the Israelites were in the wilderness, every tribe had its 
particular ensign ; by the which, the several tribes were 
collected, &:c. Christ was raised as an "ensign of the 
people, " And the blessed Jesus said, '^ And J, if Ibe 
lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me : " 
John xii. 32. He ivas lilted up on the cross ; and after- 
wards commissioned his disciples to go forth, and hold 
him up to the people on the pole of the Gospel ; to ani- 
mate them on their journey ; to encourage and embolden 
them in their warfare against Sin, the World, the Flesh, 
and the Devil ; and hence, He is called, an '^ ensign of 
the people : " Isa. lix. 19. " To it shall the Gentiles 
seek, " The banner of his love excites, directs, protects, 
.^and encourages his army in their warfare against sin. 



! OP THE ENLARGEMENT OF THE CHURCH. 283 

*' I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, 
and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the 
kingdom of heaven. " Matt. viii. 11. 

Thus saith the Lord. " And I will bless them 
that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee : and in 
thee shall all famihes of the earth be blessed : Gen. xii. 
3. Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for 
thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for 
thy possession : Ps. ii. 8. All the ends of the earth 
shall remember and turn unto the Lord ; and all the 
kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. For 
the kingdom is the Lord's ; and he is the Governor 
among the nations : Ps. xxii. 27, 28. That thy way 
may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all 
nations: Ps. Ixvii. 2. Thy people shall be willing in 
the day of thy power : Ps. ex. 3. He shall have do- 
minion, also, from sea to sea, and from the river unto 
the ends of the earth : Ps. Ixxii. 8. Princes shall come 
out of Egypt ; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands 
unto God : Ps. Ixviii. 3L Yea, all kings sliall fall down 
before him ; all nations shall serve him : Ps. Ixxii. IL 
All nations whom thou hast made shall come and wor- 
ship before thee, O, Lord ; and shall glorify thy name : 
Ps Ixxxvi. 9. His name shall endure forever ; his name 
shall be continued as long as the sun ; and men shall be 
blessed in him ; all nations shall call him blessed : Ps. 
Ixxii. 17. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the 
earth shall fear him : Ps Ixvii. 7. Let the whole earth 
be filled with his glory. Amen, and Amen." 

" And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the 
mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the 
top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the 
hills ; and all nations shall flow unto it : Isa. ii. 2. Every 
valley shal be exalted, and every moimtain and hill 
shall be made low ; and the crooked shall be made 
straight, and rough places plain ; and the glory of the 
Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together ; 
for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it : Isa. xl. 4, 5. 
I have sworn by myself, the word has gone out of my 
mouth in righteousness, and shall not return. That unto 
me .every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear: 
Isa. xlv. 21 



284 OF THE EJ^LARGEMENT OF THE CHlRClf. 

" I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest 
be my salvation unto the ends ot'the earth. " Isa. xlix 6. 

This is truly Good news ! the best that ever came 
from heaven to earth: Lnke ii. 10, 11. Hear ye the 
word of the Lord ! *' And he said. It is a htrht thing 
that thou shouldest be my servant, to raise up the tribes 
of Judah, and to restore the preserved of Israel ; / will 
also give thee as a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest 
he my salvation unto the ends of the earth : Isa. xlix. 6. 
As I live, saith the Lord, thou shalt surely clotlie thee 
with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on 
thee as a bride doeth : Ver. 18. A law shall proceed 
from me, and I will make my judo;ment to rest for a light 
of the people. My righteousness is near ; my salvation 
is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people ; the 
isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they 
trust : Isa. li. 4, 5. The Lord hath made bare his holy 
arm in the eyes of all the nations ; and all the ends cf 
the earth shall see xhe salvation of our God : Isa. lii. 10. 
The Redeemer shall come to Zicn, and unto them that 
turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord : Isa. lix. 
20. Behold, 1 have given him for a witness to the 
people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, 
thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and na- 
tions that knevv not thee shall run unto thee, because o 
the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel ; ioi 
he hath glorified thee: Isa. Iv. 4, 5. When thou shalf 
make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, h( 
shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shal - 
prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of hi: 
soul and be satisfied: Isa. liii. 10, 11. The Gentile? 
shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy 
risino- : Isa. Ix. 3. Who hath heard such a thino^ ? who 
hath seen such things ? shall the earth be made to bring 
forth in one day ? or shall a nation be born at once ? for 
as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.: 
Isa. Ixvi. 8. And in the davs of these kincrs shall the 
God of heaven set up a kingdom; which shall never be 
destroyed ; and the kingdom shall not be left to other 
people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these 
kingdoms, and it shall stand forever: Dan.ii. 33. W^ho 
are those that fly as a cloud/' &c : Isa Ix. 8. 



^-^ fftE EI^LAROEMENT OF THE CHURCH. 285 

^^ And I, if f be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unte 
tne. " John xii. 32. 

^^ Anb when they were come to the place which is 
called Calvary, there they crucified him : Luke xxiii. 33, 
And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a 
kingdom, that all peo{3le, nations, and languages, should 
■serv'C him ; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, 
which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which 
shall not be destroyed: Dan. vii. 14. And many na- 
tions shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be 
my people ; and I will dwell in the midst of thee ; and thou 
shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto thee : 
Zech. ii. IL And the Lord shall be King over all the 
«arth ; in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name 
■one : Zech. xiv. 9, And in every place incense shall be 
offered unto my name, and a pure offering ; for my name 
shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts ■: 
Mai. i. IL And this gospel of the kingdom shall be 
preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations ; 
and then shall the end come : Matt, xxiii. 14. And 
they shall all be taught of God : John vi, 45, After 
those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their 
mind, and write them in their hearts ; and I will be to 
them a God, and they shall be to me a people ; and they 
shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man 
his brother, saying, Know the Lord ; for all shall know 
me, from the least to the greatest : Heb. viii. 1 0, 1 1. At 
the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of things in 
heaven, and things on earth, and things under the earth; 
and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is 
Lord, to the glory of God the Father: Phil. ii. 10, 11. 
I beheld, and lo, a great multitude which no man could 
number, of all nations, and kindred, and people, and 
tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, 
clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands : Rev. 
vii. 9. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven. Now 
is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our 
<jIod, and the power of his Christ; for the accuser of our 
brethren is cast down which accused them before our 
God day and night : Rev. xii. 10. And the seventh 
angel sounded ; and there were great voices in heaveo, 
saying, The kingdoms of this world, '' he : Rev. xi. 15. 
25 



286 or THE GLORY OF THE CHURCH. 

"Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God." Ps^* 
Ixxxvii. 3. 

Much has been said against the Church by her ene- 
mies ; who delight in saying all manner of evil of her: 
Acts xxviii. 22. But the testimony of the wicked, we 
knowj is not to be taken ^ in this case ; we have there- 
fore to hear what the Scriptures say of her. And there 
we find so many ^^ glorious things sjioJcen of her ^^^ that 
we scarcely know where to begin, when to lea re off, oy 
how to admire her enough } much less can we sufficiently 
adore the goodness of that God^ who could bestow so 
much love upon her when she was so greatly defiled : 
Ezek. xvi. 5—14* The Gospel Church is " spoltcn of''' 
as God's beloved : Ps. Ix. 5 : His adopted sons : Gal. 
iv. 5 : His peculiar people : 1 Pet. ii. 9 : His friends : 
James ii. 23 : His family: Eph. iii, 15 : His heirs ; Rom. 
viii. 17 : His heritage : Jer. xii. 7 ; His jewels : Ma), 
iii. 17: His treasure: Ps. cxxxv. 4 : His princes; 1 
Sam. ii. 8 : His building : 1 Cor. iii. 9 : His dearly be- 
loved : Jer. xii. 7: The king's daughter: Ps. xlv. 13: 
Children of the kingdom : Matt. xiii. 38 : Assembly of 
saints : Heb. x. 25 : Flock of God : Acts xx. 28 : Fold 
of Christ: John x. 16 : Inhabitants of Zion : Isa. xii. 
6 : Joy of the whole earth : Ps. xlviii. 2 : Light of the 
w^orld : Matt* v. 14: Bride, the Lamb's wife: Rev. xxi. 
9^ &:c., &c. 

Yea^such '^ gloria} is things are spoTcen of^^ the Church 
of Christ, that one-half can never be told. Moreover, it 
is said, ''the glory of the Lord is risen upon her: Isa. 
Ix. 1, 2. And that the Lord sliall be her everlasting 
light and glory : Isa. Ix. 19. And she shall be a crown 
of glory, in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem 
in the hand of her God : Isa. Ixii. 2, 3. She is spoken 
of as the ^^ city c>/God," because he planned, built, and 
peopled it ; and governs, defends, and dwells in her : 
Heb. xii. 22. She is called a ^' great city^ " on account 
of her extent, and great number of her members : Rev. 
xxi. 10. She is called a " holy city, " on account of her 
Founder, members, and law^s, being all holy : Rev. xi. 2. 
" The King's daughter is all glorious within ; her 
clothing is of wrought gold : Ps. xlv." 13. The joy of 
the whole earth is Mount Zion : Ps. xlviii. 2. 



OF THE GLORY OF THE CHURCH. 287 

•** And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to 
^hine in it ; fortili-e glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the 
li^ht thereof. " Rev. xxi. 23. 

Language is so weak, that there is both a want of 
words, and a want in words, when any member of the 
church attempts to describe the glory of the church. 
For even while in her mihtant state, or state of suffering 
and war, she is said to be "" clothed with the sun, the 
moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of 
twelve stars : " Rev. xii. 1. And being thus clothed 
with the righteousness of Jesus, she stands upon the 
world, looking upon it as a country not worthy her affec- 
tions, and hastens homeward, to the '^ city which has no 
need of the sun. " Heaven is that city, to which the 
Church is ever tending ; and whose Builder and De- 
fender is God: Heb. xi. 10 — 16. While travelling to 
her native city, the Church is frequently called to pass 
through great conflicts ; and her path sometimes becomes 
so dark, that it is with difficulty that she can proceed : 
Isa. 1. JO. But when she joins the Church above, she 
will find that such is the glory of that city where they 
dwell, they '^ have no need of the sun: " Isa. Ix. 19. 
We need not the light of a candle while we are walking 
in the light of the noon-day sun. And such will be the 
bright and dazzling glory proceeding from God and the 
Lamb upon the redeemed, that the sun would be totally 
echpsed by it. ^' Neither of the moon " have they any 
need ; for there shall be '■' no night there; " Rev. xxii. 
5. '• -For the glory oj God, " which is continually 
shining forth without a veil, doth '^ lighten it : " Rev. 
xxi. 11. ^^ And the Lamb,^^ the true Light, which 
lighteth every man that cometh into the world : John i. 
9: ^' is the light thereof;" so that, to be where the 
Lamb is, is to be in light, whether it be in heaven or in 
a (dungeon : Luke ii. 32 : John viii. 12. 

Who would not be willing to suffer with Christ on 
earth, to reign with him in heaven? Rom. viii. 17. The 
Church will soon exchange her reproach, for honor; her 
tears, for joy ; her shame, for glory ; her cross, for a 
crown, " And God shall wipe away all tears from their 
eyes ; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow 
nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." 



28B OF THE TNCKEASi: OF KNOWLEDCTET^ 

" They also that erred in spirit shall come to understandings, an J 
they that murmured, shall iearn doctrine. " Isa. xxix.24. 

We may venture to affirm, that ignorance is the 
cause of wickedness ; for if men were fully convinced 
of the great evil of sin, the good they lost, and the misery 
they procured by it, they would never delight in it. 
Wonderful have been the revolutions already brought 
about by the hght of the Gospel ; and indeed, it was 
sent to make blind men to see ; the lame to walk ; the 
poor to become rich ; the captive to go free ; the sorrow- 
ful to rejoice ; and the dead to live i Luke iv. 18. 

^ Theij also that erred in spirit, " who misunderstood 
the things that were written, consequently rested under 
great mistakes^ and misapprehensions^ concerning them, 
^ shall come to understandii^g : '^ Isa. xxix 18. The 
Spirit of truth shall be given them, to rectify all their 
mistakes ; and enlighten their minds, so as to bring them 
to understand those things that belong to their peace ; 
and they shall be led into all truth : John xvi. 13. 
Those w4io are ignorant of the truths of God, are very 
apt to quarrel and find fault with them ; and condemn 
them because they are unacquamted with them : John 
vi. 60i. 

" TTiey that murmured shall learn doctrine ; " and 
that will put a stop to all their murmuring ; for as soon 
as they learn the true meaning of the doctrines contained 
in the Bible, they will be well satisfied with them, and 
find no cause to complain of them. Ps. cxix. 128, 165* 
This ought to encourage every member of the church to 
look forward to, and pray lor, the coming of the day 
when those that have erred in spirit, and are still deceiv- 
ed, shall be brought to a proper understanding : Isa. 
XXV. 6, 1. We should never think that God frowns, 
because his providence is cross ; nor that the sun has 
gone out, because the sky looks dark : James v. 10, 11* 
We have cause to lament, that many remain so ignorant 
and dark, with the book of wisdom and light in their 
hand ; but we have cause to rejoice, that knowledge 
shall increase: Dan. xii. 4. The knowledge of the 
Lord must increase. '' The earth shall be full of the 
knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea ;'* 
Isa. xi. 9. 



OF THE INCREASE OF KNOWLEDGE. 289 

*' And they shall be all taught of God, " John vi. 45. 

Nature teaches all to wander from God ; but has 
never tauo;ht one the way to him : 1 Cor. i. 21. All 
whom God teaches are well taught ; for he teaches men 
to know themselves as sinners ; that, finding their need 
of a Saviour, they might flee to the only hope, which he 
in his infinite wisdom, has set before them in the Gospel : 
Heb. vi. 18. And having opened their eyes to see them- 
selves, He draws them by the cords of his love, shows 
them the relations in which He stands to them, and what 
he has done for them in order that they might be saved : 
John iii. 16 — 18. His people are scattered all over the 
world, and but few have a saving acquaintance with 
him ; but they shall all be brought to him, and taught of 
him: Isa. liv. 13. 

'^ And they shall he all taught of God^^ to know 
their wants and woes, and where to get supplies. He 
points with his word and Spirit to Jesus the friend and 
Saviour of sinners ; shows them how to escape wretch- 
edness, and obtain blessedness ; dispels their fears, and 
attracts them by his love : John vi. 44. It is in vain for 
any to think themselves, spiritually, the children of Godj 
who have not been '^taught of God,^^ both to know 
themselves, and to know the Lord. " For it is written, 
'' And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord : '' 
Isa. hv. 13. 

When God undertakes to teach a man, He has to find 
him an eye to see, an ear to hear, and a heart to under- 
stand : Eph iv. 18. But it matters not how dull the 
scholar he takes into his school ; for he has such a won- 
derful fashion of instructing the ignorant, that it is impos- 
sible for any one to miscarry who is taught of him : Ps. 
cxix. 1 02. A constant adherance to the ways of God in 
the time of trial, is a good evidence that we have been 
taught of him : Ps. Ixxi. 17. God is never at a loss what 
lesson to give ; and though many lessons he gives are 
very hard to learn, they are all very ^ood when learned. 

" And they shall teach no more every may his neigh- 
bor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord ; 
for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto 
the greatest of them, saith the Lord ; for I will forgive 
their iniquity, and I will remember their sins no more, '' 
25* 



290 OF PURITY AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

" He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver ; and he shall 
purify the sons of Levi, and purge tiiem as gold and silver, that they 
may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. " Mai. iii.3. 

Jesus Christ came into the world as a Refiner, to 
separate the precious from the vile: Matt. iii. 12. He 
still carries on the work of refining ; and his people may 
depend upon it, that when they are prepared for the fire 
the fire will be prepared for them. Observe, 

1st. Christ is tlie great B.efinei\ By his word, his 
blood, his Spirit, and sanctified afflictions, he purges out 
the dross of error, corruptions, and disorderly members 
from his church : Isa. xlviii. 10. And the dross of sin 
and base desire from the hearts of his believing people : 
Zech. xiii. 9. 2d. Who they are, that he will purify; 
'' The sons of Levi, '' All true Christians are '' sons of 
Levi ; " inasmuch, as, like the tribe of Levi, they are 
devoted to the service of God ; and are a holy priesthood : 
1 Pet. ii. 5 : designed to be priests unto God : Rev. i. 
6. 3d. How he will purify them ; he will '' purge them 
as gold and silver. ^' They shall, not only be washed 
outwardly, but sanctified inwardly ; their corruptions that 
dwell within, shall be purged out; and this shall be done 
in the fire, as ^old and silver are purged, to take away 
their dross and make them more valuable : Matt. iii. 11. 
Afflictions, temptations, and pain, are designed for the 
trial of their faith : 1 Pet. i. 6, 7. 4th. The Refiner's 
design ; " That they may offer unto the Lord an offer- 
ing in righteousness,^^ His design is, not to destroy, 
but to refine his people : Ps. iv. 5. All who are con- 
verted to God, must be consecrated to God : love, prayer, 
and praise, are an offering which the Lord will accept. 
We must be refined and purified by the grace of God, 
before we can offer a sacrifice acceptably to God : Zeph. 
iii. 9. The fire consumes nothing belonging to the Chris- 
tian but his dross, and his bonds : 1 Pet. iv. 12. And 
5th. The position of the Refiner; ''He shall sit as a 
refiner, " As, or like, a refiner, who takes his seat by 
the side of the furnace, and carefully watches the pre- 
cious metal, lest the fire be too hot or too cold, or it 
should be too long in the fire ; so Jesus, the Refiner of 
his people, never takes his eye from oJfF them while in 
the furnace. 



OF PURITY AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. 291 

*' And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, 
clean and white ; for the fine linen is the righteousness of the 
saints." Rev. xix. 8. 

God the Father in Jesus the Saviour is the husband 
of the Church ; hence she is called, the Lamb's Wije : 
Rev. xxi. 9. ''And to her lu as granted that she should 
he arrayed ; " for strange as it may appear, it is true, 
when He first set his love upon her she v^^as quite naked, 
and so wretched, miserable, and poor, that she had not 
wherewith to cover her shame: Rev. iii. 17, 18. And 
withal was so diseased and bruised, that she had not a 
sound part belonging to her : Isa. i. 5, 6. And to add 
to her wretchedness, was quite bhnd : Eph. iv. 18. Such 
was her sad condition when the Lord took her into his 
favor, and gave her in marriage to his Son. He found 
her next door to death, buried in filth, and unable to 
better herself. He first gave her eyes to see her own 
nakedness and danger, which not only humbled her pride, 
(for still she was proud) but made her so ashamed of 
herself, that she was ready to faint ; and would certainly 
have died in despair, had not the Lord told her to look 
unto him : Isa. xlv. 22 : and assured her that he was 
married unto her: Isa. liv. 4, 5 : Jer. iii. 14. And to 
show himself a trui^-lover, he restored her to health 
and soundness ; and '' arrayed her in Jine linen, clean 
and white." Her woimds being healed — her sickness 
cured — and being so finely clothed, she now looks fair 
as the moon, and is counted worthy to walk with her 
Lord : Rev. iii. 4. " The Jine linen is the righteousness 
of the saints, ^^ which He has wrought in them by his 
grace and Spirit ; and which shows itself in a righteous 
and holy life : Titus ii. 12. Thus he adorns and decks 
his bi^ide here with the ornaments of grace ; and will 
crov^n her with glory when he takes her home : Eph. v. 
27 : Col. i. 21,22. 

'' Thy people also shall be all righteous ; they shall 
inherit the land forever, the branch of my planting, the 
work of my hands, that I may be glorified: Isa. Ix. 21, 
As the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden 
causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth ; so 
the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to 
spring forth before all the nations; " Isa. Ixi. 11. 






292 OF PEACE, LOVEj AND UNITY. 

" They shall beat their swords into plough-shares, and their spears 
into pruning-hooks ; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, 
neither shall they learn war any more." Isa. ii. 4. 

This is fulfilled in the surprising effect of the Gospel, 
upon the minds of those that heartily embrace it ; it so 
changes their dispositions, that they can no longer play 
off the mad-man's part> by scattering around them fire- 
brands, arrows and death : Prov. xxvi. 18. 

'' They shall beat their sivords,^' their instruments of 
death, into implements of husbandry ; so that, instead of 
being employed to cut down men and take away life, 
they shall be employed to cut up the ground to procure 
^ the staff of life. ' And in proportion as Christianity 
prevails, this must be the case. For the faithful subjects 
of the Prince of Peace can find no more use for swords, 
spears, pistols, dirks, and bowie-knives, than did their 
great exemplar ; for Christ's kingdom is a peaceful one, 
and he himself is its king: Isa. ix. 6. But where men 
are governed by their lusts, and do not submit to the 
government of Christ, the opposite may be expected : 
Joel. iii. 10. ^^ Pruning-hooks^^ look much better in 
the hands of Christians, than '^ spears ; " and are more 
beneficial to themselves and their fellcw-men. 

" Nation shall not lift up sivord against nation,^^ 
when the Gospel of Christ prevails through the nations ; 
for the very design of the Gospel is, to destroy all enmity 
and make peace : Eph. ii. 13—^16. And all over whom 
it prevails are disposed to be peaceable ; and love even 
their greatest enemies : Matt. v. 44 : while they are 
iinited in love the one to the other : John xiii. 35. 
^' Neither shall they learn war any more ; " for the 
Gospel-method, is, not force of arms to drive men, but, 
love and prayers to persuade them : 2 Cor. v. 20. And 
when all are thus persuaded to obey the Gospel of Christy 
there will be no disposition left to war any more. Neither 
will they learn the art of killing men in cool-blood — 
unprovoked — nor consider that man the most honorable 
who has swam the farthest through blood and rears, 
any more. When the happy period will arrive that all 
men will be united in peace and love, we cannot tell ; 
but the word of inspiration assures us, that it will come. 
Let all liye in peace who love Christ, 



OF PEACE, LOVE, AND UNITY. 293 

** That they all may be one ; as thou, Father, art in me, and T in 
thee, that they also may be one in us ; that the world may believe 
that thou hast sent me." John xvii. 21. 

Such was the prayer of Jesus for his disciples when 
about to leave them. They had long been his attendants 
and companions ; and had been witnesses of his love, 
piety, zeal, benevolence, and many mighty works. The 
time of his departure was at hand, and ere he leaves them 
he prays, 

'^ That all may be one/' For what he dearly paid, 
he fervently prayed ; nor did he pray in vain ; for the 
primitive Christians realized that peace, love, and unity, 
for which he prayed : Acts iv. 32. And if behevers in 
Jesus, in our day, did but attend to the same truth and 
example that they did, they would possess the same 
spirit. As Christ is one in and with his Father, so he 
prays, that all his members may be joined in one body to 
himself, as their head : Eph. i. 22, 23. " That they 
also may be one in us,'' as the branch is one in the vine ; 
partaking of the same nature and influence : John xv. 1 
— 14. Being animated by the same Spirit, all who are 
joined to the Lord become one spirit : I Cor. vi. IT. 
There are many little things in which we must, as faUible 
creatures, necessarily differ ; but, though we cannot all 
think alike as men, we should all love alike as Christians : 
Phil. ii. 5. All are agreed that sin is the greatest evil ; 
and HOLINESS the greatest good ; and if all would take 
the WORD OF God for their ONLY " rule of faith 
AND PRACTICE," the diflferenccs among Christians would 
be few and unimportant ; and then would that be accom- 
phshed for which the Saviour prayed, " That the ivorld 
may believe that thou hast sent me'' If we would wish 
for '^ the world to believe " that Christianity is Divine in 
its origin, let us live like Christians ! Acts iv. 13. 

The world would be constrained to believe that Christ 
was the sent of God. if his Ministers and Members were 
one with him. But while, instead of peace, they behold 
war ; and in the place of love, bitterness ; and in lieu 
of UNETY, discord; what can they think of Christianity ! 
Others have as good a right to differ from us in matters 
of opinion, as we have to difler from them. If we cannot 
all see with one pair of eyes, shall we blind each other ? 



294 OF THE SKCURITY OF THE CHURCH. 

" I the Lord do keep it ; I will water it every moment ; lest any 
hurt it, I will keep it night and day." Isa. xxvii. 3. 

The church is a vineyard of which God is the pro- 
prietor. He first planted the Jews there, as his choice 
vine ; and gave them his tabernacle or temple as their 
wine-press ; and his oracles, ordinances, and blessings. 
This vineyard He let out to their keepers, and, after 
sending the prophets, sent his Son to demand suitable 
fruits ; but these being abused he gave their church-state 
to the Gentiles ; and calls and qualifies men to labor in 
it : Isa. V. 1 — 7: Matt. xxi. 33 — 41. The church of 
the Lord is not now made up of any particular sect. 
^•' For there is no difference between the Jew and the 
Greek ; for the same Lord over all, is rich unto all that 
call upon him : " Rom. x. 1*2. Although God's vine- 
yard, in this world, stands in a vast common, it is well 
fenced in and under his immediate care. 

^' i the Lord do Tceep it^ All we need, or can desire, 
we have in God ; and though his church is surrounded 
with enemies, her members have nothing to fear from 
them, while under the protection of the Lord whose 
goodness is his glory : Isa. xxxiii. 20 — 2*2. The Lord, 
not only speaks comfortably concerning his vineyard, but 
acts graciously toward it ; '^ 1 icill water it every moment ^ 
He will not flood it, but water it with the dews of his 
grace ; yea, he himself will be as the dew unto it: Hos. 
xiv. 5. He will cause his doctrines to drop upon it, as 
the dew upon the grass : Deut. xxxii. 2. He will so 
refresh and comfort it, that it shall belike a well-watered 
garden: Isa. Iviii. IL He will, not only water it on 
extraordinary occasions, but every moment ; for was he 
to withhold his waterings but for one moment, we should 
all wither and die. In vain do the enemies of his church 
strive to injure it: Jer. xxiii. 6. ^' Lest any should hurt 
it, 1 will keep it night and day^ There are many 
who would hurt it ; but lest any should do so. He says, 
^^ I will keep it^ And who can doubt of its being well 
kept ; while He keeps it ? Zech. ii. 8. He engages to 
keep it continually, ''•night and day '/^ and we are 
assured that He is w^ell qualified so to do : Ps. cxxi. 3,4. 
Whoever puts themselves under the Lord's protection, 
may always fetch in help frora him,by faith in his promises. 



OF THE SECUKITY OF THE CHURCH. 295 

** Upon this rock I will build my church ; and the gates of heli 
shall not prevail against it." Matt xvi.18. 

Jesus ChrisI^ is the rock on which his church and 
people are built ; he alone bears their whole weight, and 
all their concerns : Isa. ix. 6. The Redeemer calls 
himself the Son of man ; but Peter calls him ''the Christ, 
the Son of the living GodJ^ This the Saviour acknow- 
ledges ; and immediately adds, " Upon thisrock,^^ which 
thou hast now confessed to be the Son of the living God, 
^' I will build my church : " Eph. ii. 20. Christ does 
not say to Peter, thy church, but " my church : " Acts 
XX. 28. The materials of which Christ's church is built, 
are chosen out of the world for that purpose : John xv. 
19. And though He employs, many hands in carrying 
on the building, He himself is the great Master-builder ; 
hence he says, " I will build it : '^ Zech. vi. 12, 13. 
The world and all that is therein belongs to God : Ps. 
xxiv. I. But before Christ began the building of his 
Church, he covenanted with his Father for the materials ; 
and in due time paid down the full price : 1 Pet. i. 18, 
19. The foundation-stone is laid " upon this rock : " 
Isa. xxviii. 16 : and the building is gradually rising ; 
built all of lively stones : 1 Pet. ii. 5. Peter had the 
honor of laying the first stones in the Jewish converts : 
Acts ii. 37 — 47 : and also the first in the Gentile con- 
verts : Acts X. 45—48. But he never attempted to lay 
one stone upon himself, but upon " this roclc,^^ Christ : 
Acts iv. 10 — 12. Many storms have arisen and beat 
upon this building ; but it fell not, because it was built 
upon " this rock : " Matt. vii. 25. But had it been 
built upon poor Peter, a servant-maid might have knocked 
it down : Matt. xxvi. 69 — 75. Men and devils have 
been constantly endeavoring to throw it down ; but all 
their efforts have been in vain ; for " The gates of hell 
shall not prevail against it»^^ Hell may vent her rage 
and men their malice, and do all they can to oppose '' this 
rock " of TRUTH on which the Church rests, but it can 
never be overcome. Formalists may use all their cralt 
and cruelty in opposing the gospel, but still it must pre- 
vail ; while the combined efforts of hell and earth, 
<' shall not prevail against it ; " for while Christ lives 
his Church is safe : John xiv. 19. 



S96 OF THE PEACE OF THE CHURCH* 

" In his days judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely." 
Jer. xxiii. 6. 

How comforting is this reflection ! God has ever had 
a people upon the earth ; though many times they have 
narrowly escaped destruction : Ps. cxxiv. ''In his days ;" 
in the days of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace : Isa. ix. 
6 : vv^hen Christ, the Branch, shall make his appear- 
ance; Zech. iii. 8 : whatever might be their present con- 
dition, '' Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell 
safely:^^ Ps. cii. 13, 14. The spiritual seed of faithful 
Abraham, and wrestling praying Israel, shall be preserved 
from the curse of the law; Gal. iii. 13 ; and the power 
of Satan ; Rom. xvi. 20. And being freed from sin, 
Rom. vi. 22, they are Israelites indeed : John i. 47. 
Like ancient Israel, they are chosen of God : 1 Pet. ii. 
9 : and are a peculiar people ; whom, in the midst of 
all dangers and calamities he wonderfully preserves; and 
for whom he so bountifully provides ; Rom. ii. 29. His 
law being written in their hearts, they live in obedience 
to all his commands, and consequently '^ dwell safely ;^^ 
Jer. xxv. 4, Where Christ keeps the heart, the soul 
dwells in peace: Rom. ii. 10, 11. The Church while 
in her Malderness state, in the time of a cahn, should 
prepare for a storm. She m^ay sometimes be used roughly^ 
but she always dwells safely ; neither can any wars 
without, rob her of her peace within. And though she 
has many afflictions, she has many consolations : 2 Cor. 
i. 5. Should earthly comforts be taken away^ the com- 
forts of the Holy Spirit are given ; so that, while her 
members are faithful, they have good cause to be cheerful l 
2 Cor. i. 7. 

Believers live under the peaceful reign of the Prince 
of peace ; they love his laws and take great pleasure in 
their peaceful employment; Isa. xxxii. 17. They have 
abundant satisfaction in doing their duty ; and great 
pleasure in reflecting upon it when done. Their love to 
the word of God enables them to hold fast their integrity 
and preserve their tranquility : Ps. cxix. 165. They 
quarrel with nothing that God does ; if they have but 
little of this world's good they are thankful ; and that 
makes them peaceful ; it is never so bad with them but 
they will acknowledge; that it might have been worse. 



^F THE PEACE OF THE CHURCH 297 

'^'^he God of peace sh^Tl bruise Satan under your feet shortly.' 
Eom. xvi. ^0. 

Know, believer, this world is not thy rest ; thou art a 
soldier of Christ's ; and as such, that thou art called upon 
to fight the good fight : 1 Tim. vi. 12, When thou wast 
at peace with Satan, the strong^man, he kept thee in quiet 
possession ; but now he is cast out he besieges and 
attacks thee i^pon every quarter ; Luke xi. 21, 22. Thy 
present state exposes thee to the combined powers of the 
world with all its pomps and vanities ; its children with 
all their smiles aad frowns, their promises and threats ; 
the^e, animated by " the god of this world," are at war 
with thee ; because thou art not of this world : John xv, 
19. But let not this destroy, nor even mar thy peace. 

The Lord of Hosts who is mighty in battle, is the 
^' God of Peace : " Ps. xxiv. 8 : and you, being at peace 
with him, have nothing to fear, but every thing to hope 
from him : Rom. v. 1 : viii. 1. He has not only spoken 
peace to you, but continues to work peace in you ; and 
will take good care to secure the peace of his church I Isa*. 
liv. 14, 15. '' The God of 'peace^^ who, in the ^' seed 
of the Woman," bruised the serpent's head, "• shall bruise 
Satan under your feetP Satan, the great adversary of 
the Church, the author and founder of all false doctrines, 
is ever designing to destroy the purity of its members, 
that he may thereby deprive them of their peace^ here 
and hereafter : 1 Pet. v. 8. But he shall finally be 
conquered by the '^ Ood oj peace^'' and every member 
brought off more than conqueror : Rom. viii. 37. '^ The 
God of peace" is opposed to all that opposes and dis* 
turbs the peace of his Church ; and will assuredly give 
them a complete victory over their great adversary; yea, 
and bring his neck under their feet. God in Christ is 
their Joshua, and will lead them on to certain victory ; 
and after he has conquered for them, w^ill call them to 
tread on the neck of Satan^ and triumph over every ene* 
my : Joshua x. 24, 25. Surely, this ought to animate 
and encourage every soldier of the Cross to fight valiantly, 
while the war continues. Be of good courage ; the war 
will soon be over ; victory is sure, and will be gained 
^^ shortly y It is true, we know not the exact time when ; 
but it is enough for us to know, that it will come shortly^ 
26 



298 OF THE DESTRUCTION OF ANTICRHIST* 

** Whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions 
shall serve and obey him." Dan. vii. 27. 

Saint John declares, that '' He is antichrist, that 
denieth the Father and the Son." And, that, " Whoso- 
ever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father : '^ 
1 John ii. 2*2, 23. The reason is obvious ; for both the 
Father and the Son are one : and no man who denies 
the one can possess the other : John x. 30 : xiv. 9- 
The same Apostle declares, " The V/ord was God — 
and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us : " 
John i. 1, 2, 14. The Apostle Paul bears testimony to 
the same ; and declares, that, '' God was in Christy 
reconciling the w^orld unto himself:" 2 Cor. v. 19* 
Father and Son are relative terms. Producer and Pro- 
duced. The divine Nature produced the human Nature ; 
that is, assumed a body like ours, but \\ ithout sin ; that 
in the offending Natm^e he might suffer in the room and 
stead of guilty man ; and thereby '^reconcile the world 
unto himself J^ But it should ever be remembered, ihat^ 
the characters Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, are but 
various exhibitions of the same one ete?-nal God, and 
designed merely as an accommodation to our hmited 
understanding. 

'* Whose kingdom is an everlasting Ttiiigdom ; " all 
other " kings shall shut their m.cuths at him ; " for He 
must reign when all things shall have been put under 
him : Isa. hi. 15. Jesus the great Head of the Church, 
will shortly render the Beast and all the leaders of his 
army, incapable of molesting her any m.ore : Rev. xix. 
20, 21. His reign will be, not only everlasting, but 
universal. 

'' And all dominiovs shall serve and cleij him, " 
And the saints of the Most High shall take and possess 
the kingdom : Dan. vii. 18. The Redeem.er's kingdom 
shall be established ; every enemy that is not subdued 
shall be destroyed. Every opposition must be overcome. 
^' At the name of Jesus every knee shall how of things 
in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the 
earth ; and erery tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ 
is Lord, to the glory of God the Father : " Phil. ii. 10, 
11. Let this consideration encourage the hearts of all 
the faithful subjects of the Redeemer's kingdom. 



ii 






OF THE DESTRUCTION OF ANTICHRIST. 299 

*' And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that 
wrougiit n^irae'les before him, with which he had deceived them that 
had received the mark of iKe heast, and them that worshipped his 
image ; tiiese both were cast alive into a lake of lire burning with 
i)rimstone." Rev. xix. 20. 

At a very early period of the Christian church anti- 
christ made his appearance ; and many ''° J ah e prophets '' 
came in the name of Christ, who possessed the spirit of 
antichrist : i John ii. 22. 22 : \v, 1 — 3. But all faith- 
ful and spiritual Christians obtain a complete victory 
over antichrist and his false prophets : 1 John iv. 4. 
Christ foretold that antichrist and his teachers would 
come in sheep's clothing ; and so transform themiselves, 
that, were it possible, they would deceive the very elect: 
Matt. xxiv. 5, 24, Ail such hold a false Christ as the 
head, a false church as the body, and accompany these 
with false works, false worship, and false ordinances. 
And so artfully do they make them to resemble the true 
ones, that many of the simple are deceived by them; and 
receive '' ilie marlc of the beast,^^ by which they are 
known to be his worshippers : Rom, xvi. 17, 18. For 
though they do not literally bow down to the beast, they 
actually '^ worship his imaged The battle, at the preS'- 
ent time, rages with great fury ; but the victory will 
assuredly be gained by Christ the glorious Head of the 
Church ; for '" the beast was takeji, and with him the 
false prophet, ^^ The work is already done, virtuaUy ; 
and sliall actually be accomplished ; and '^ these both,^^ 
the beast and his prophet, will be '^ cast .alive into a lake 
of -fire burning ivith brimstone J^ Antichrist and his false 
prophets can never prevail against the truly faithful, 
because they are of God : 1 John iv. 6. They are born 
again ; but not of corruptible seed : 1 Pet, i, 23 : and 
for that reason cannot be overcome ; in as much as they 
are ^' kept by the power of God, through faith : " 1 Pet. 
i. 5. Think not, believer, because some rebel lust, some 
sinful passion, or some fiery dart of the enemy, makes an 
attack upon thee, that the God of peace is at war Vvith 
thee. No ; let such a thought find no lodging-place in 
thy breast ; for God is ever at peace with thee ; and 
will shortly destroy all His and thy enemies. All who 
possess the spirit of Christ, are followers of Christ here, 
and will reign with him hereafter : Rev. iii. 21. 



300 OF THE E2?I)EESS D^URATION OF THE rHURCH'* 

"His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not 
pass away, and his kingdom lijat which shall not be destroyed. '*" 
Dan. vii. 14. 

The Messiah is uniformly represented as sustaining 
every character, accomplishing every design^ and pos- 
sessing every necessary qualification to redeem and save 
mankind. He is a Saviour adapted to all our diversified' 
necessities, and able to save to the uttermost. His man- 
hood was similar to that original humanity of the first 
happy pair, being holy^ harmless, and undefiled, without 
one sin of his own : 1 Pet. ii» 22. He is infinite i» 
wisdom, power, righteousness, and goodness. He is, not 
only a Prophet to instruct, a Priest to atone, but also a 
King to rule over his people* And, 

" His dominion is an everlasting dQininion ; " the 
kingdom which He established in the work of redemption^ 
is designed to destroy all sin, that '^ grace might reign 
through righteousness unto eternal life ; ^' Rom. v. 21, 
^' His dominion " is an eternal empire of grace, producing 
righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost : Rom. 
xiv. 17. '^ And his Jmig^dom that which shall not ie 
destroyed ;" His kingdom of grace here, prepares for and 
leads to his kingdom of glory hereafter. Christ has gone 
to prepare a place for each and all of his subjects ; and 
now v/aits to receive and welcome them into his everlast- 
ing kingdom ; that they might do well in his immediate 
presence, and reign with him forever : Matt. xxv. 34 : 
2 Pet. i. 11. Ail other kings are mortal, and theiefore^ 
die, and leave their dominions to their successors. All 
earthly kingdoms rise and fall ; and wrll ultimately 
crumble into ruins ; but *^His Mngdom shall not be rfe- 
stroyed.^^ For He is the King eternal, and immortal ; 
'^ and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but 
it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, 
and it shall stand forever : '' Dan. ii. 44. 

Observe, 1st. The kingdom of Christ is founded on 
the principles of reason, justice^ and mercy ; and there- 
fore all ought cheerfully to bow to his sceptre : Ps. ii. J 2. 
2d. His dominion is imperishahle ; and can never be 
taken, nor demolished, by invaders. All the plans he 
adopts, and the means he employs are devised by infinite 
wisdom^ and accompanied by oqinipotent pow€^% 



OF THE ENDLESS DURATION OF THE CHURCH. 301 

*' The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our 
Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever. " 
Rev. xi. 15. 

Few human governors possess all the qualifications 
requisite to form a perfect ruler ; and fewer still possess 
them in that state of perfection their friends desire. But 
the King of Zion knows no lack. Is it desirable that a ruler 
should be wise 1 In King Jesus '^are hid all the treasures 
of wisdom and knowledge : " Col. ii. 3. Should he be 
good ? The life and death of the Redeemer bespeak his 
goodness: Acts x. 28: John x. 11. Should he be 
powerful ? Our Mediatoral King has all power : Matt, 
xxviii. 18. He has all the stores of nature and grace at 
his command. 

" The Tcin^doMs of this world ore become the king- 
doms of our Lord, and of his Chris t,^^ They were always 
so by creation and redemption ; but the heavenly hosts 
shall ere long acknowledge them his by actual possession. 
They now give him thanks because he has taken to him 
his great power, and has commenced the work of subdu- 
ing all things to himself ; and rejoice that his reign shall 
never come to an end. ^^ He shall reign forever and 
ever ; " not only to the end of time, but when time and 
days shall be no more. The kingdom of Christ shall 
out-wear, and out-hve, all other kingdoms : His throne 
shall stand forever, and his subjects be as the stars of 
heaven, innumerable and immutable. 

Christ has done a great work /or us ; and, if we are 
Christians, has wrought a great work in us. He intends 
makmg all his subjects kings ; all the members of his 
church are kings in life ; and actually reign over all 
that is earthly, sensual, and devilish. You may have sin 
in you, mourn over it, and groan under it ; but '' sin 
shall not have dominion over you ; for ye are not under 
the law but under grace : " Rom. vi. 14. And grace 
is glory begun ; but glory is grace made perfect. How 
amiable ! how lovely, will the Church appear, wlien all 
meet in the presence of her Sovereign Lord the King ! 
She will then appear as the Daughter of the Kino- — the 

bride ; all glorious within, and richly adorned without 

all comely to behold, and clad in royal robes of perfecj 
righteousness : Rev. i. 5, 6. 
26* 



302 OF THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWS, 

"T will set lip one shepherd over them, and he shall feed therr?, 
even my servant David ; he shall feed them, and shall be their 
shepherd." Ezek xxxiv. 23. 

Here we have the Messiah foretold as having his 
commission from God, " I ivill set up,^^ sanctify, seal, 
appoint, and anoint, "one Shepherd over them ; " Luke 
jv. 18, By him, Jews and Gentiles shall be brought 
into one fold, and " he shall feed them : " Ezekxxxvii* 
g5. Christ, the great Shepherd of his flock, is qualified 
to do that for them which none else could : Isa. xl. 11. 
" Even my servant David : '' Jesus Christ is God's 
servant ; being employed by him. and for him ; and in 
all things acting according to his \^ ill : John vi. 38, 39. 
He is both the root and offspring of David : Rev. xxii. 16. 
As a Shepherd, betakes great care of his flock: John x. 
27, 28. He feeds them on his word, and in the fruitful 
fields of his ordinances ; and has appointed his ministers 
as under-shepherds, to watch over and pay all necessary 
attention to them : John xxi.'16, 17. God will not 
forget his scattered people ; and by rolling away their 
reproach, will make them to become as honorable as ever 
they have been despicable : Zeph. iii. 19, 20. The 
Lord w^ill not fail to do his own work in his own time. 

''Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and 
say. Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord, and 
I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you ; for I am 
rrerciful, saith the Lord, and I wdll not keep anger for- 
ever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast 
transgressed against the Lord thy God, and hast scattered 
thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye 
have not obeyed my voice, saith the Lord. Turn, O 
backsliding children, saith the Lord, for I am married 
unto yoQ : " Jer. iii. 12 — 14. For the Lord, the God 
of Israel, saith that he hateth putting aw ay : Mai. ii. 16. 
Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the 
time of the Gentiles be fulfilled : Luke xxi. 24. God 
hath not cast aw^ay his people which he foreknew : Rom, 
xi. 2. If the fall of them be the riches of the w^orld, and 
the diminishing of them be the riches of the Gentiles, 
how much more their fulness ? " ver. 12. For if the castr 
ing away of them be the reconciling of the world, what 
shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead ? '^ 






OF THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWS. 303 

"God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew." 
Rom. xi. 2. 

God chose Israel, as a body, above all people In the 
world, to be a peculiar people to himself; they had 
special privileges, were carefully preserved, and highly 
regarded : Exod.xix. 5, 6. Christ first visited them in 
person : but though he looked upon them in their low 
estate, they would not receive him in his : John i. 11. 
They chose rather to let Christ go, than part with their 
prejudices and their sins : John iii. 19. The main body 
of the Jewish nation obstinately persevered in their sins, 
and perished in unbelief; but this was not the case with 
all: John i. 12. Their rejection cannot be total and 
final; no, the apostle startles at the thought, and ex- 
claims '• God forbid! " ver. 1. " God hath not, utterly, 
cast aivay his people, " For the Scriptures assure us, 
they will be brought to believe in their Redeemer whom 
they crucified. What saith the Scriptures ? 

^^ A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping 
and supplications of the children of Israel ; for they 
have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the 
Lord their God. Return ye backsliding children, and I 
will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto 
thee ; for thou art the Lord our God. Truly, in vain is 
salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multi- 
tude of mountains ; truly in the Lord our God is the 
salvation of Israel : Jer. iii. 21 — 23. They shall serve 
the Lord their God, in David (Jesus Christ) their king, 
whom I will raise up unto them. Therefore, fear thou 
not, O my servant Jacob, saith the Lord ; neither be 
dismayed, O Israel ; for, lo, I will save thee from afar, 
and thy seed from the land of their captivity ; and Jacob 
shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none 
shall make him afraid. For I am with thee, saith the 
Lord, to save thee ; though I make a full end of all na- 
tions whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make 
a full end of thee ; but I will correct thee in measure, 
and will not leave thee altogether unpunished : Jer. xxx* 
9 — 11. At the same time, saith the Lord, will I be the 
God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my 
people : Jer. xxxi. 1. Hear the word of the Lord, O ye 
nations, and declare it in the isles afar off:" Jer. xxxi. 10, 



304 OF THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWS. 

"Upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holi- 
ness ; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. " 
Obadlah 17. 

Deliverance shall be wrought out for Israel ; though 
God may appear to have long forgotten them. He will 
return unto them, own them, help them, and head them : 
Zech. i. 17. ^' Upon Mount Zion, " the Gospel-church, 
from whence proceeded the New-Testament law, their 
deliverance shall be continually proclaimed, and prayed 
for: Isa. ii. 3. "And there shall be holiness'/^ for 
without it there can be no happiness : Heb. xii. 14. 
And wherever God designs to give glory, he never fails 
to give grace to prepare for it : Eph. i. 6, 7. The Gos- 
pel must be preached in all the world : Matt. xxiv. 14 : 
and the word of the Lord must accomplish that for Vvhich 
it was sent : Isa. Iv. 11; '' and the home of Jacob shall 
possess their possessions, " 

" This shall be the covenant that I will make with 
the house of Israel ; After those days, saith the Lord, I 
will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in 
their hearts ; and will be their God, and they shall be my 
people. And they shall teach no more every man his 
neighbor, and every man his brother, saying. Know the 
Lord ; for they shall all know me, from the least of them 
unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord ; for I will for- 
give their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no 
more: Jer. xxxi. 33, 34. In those days, and at that 
time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow 
up unto David ; and he shall execute judgment and 
righteousness in the land. In those days shallJudah be 
saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely ; and this is the 
naine wherewith she shall be called, the Lord our Right- 
eousness : Jer. xxxiii. 15, 16. And I will set up one 
shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my 
servant David, (the Redeemer) he shall feed them, and 
he shall be their shepherd. And I the Lord will be their 
God, and my servant David a prince among them ; I 
the Lord have spoken it : Ezek. xxxiv. 23, 24. In that 
time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah 
and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations and will 
bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, andwill 
plead with them there, " &c : Joel iii. 1; 2 : Hos. iii. 4, 5. 



OF THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWS. 305 

" Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be 
taken away. " 2 Cor. iii. 16. 

Upon the minds of all men there is a natural veil of 
ignorance and unbelief; and which, till removed, keeps 
them from understanding the mysteries of the Gospel of 
Christ: Eph. iv. 18. The Jews have a thick veil of 
unbelief and deeply-rooted prejudice, against Christ and 
his holy religion, remaining upon their hearts : 2 Cor. iii. 
15. They wilfully shut their eyes against the light ; and 
God has justly suffered them to remain shut. " Never-- 
iheless, " there is a time coming '' when it,''^ the body of 
the Jews, •' shall turn to the Lord, " from whom they 
have wandered, and '^ the veil shall be taken away : '^ 
See Isa. xxv 6 — 8, and 1 Cor. xv. 54. 

^^ Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion ; for, lo, I 
come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the 
Lord. And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in 
that day, and shall be my people ; and I will dwell in 
the midst of thee ; and thou shalt know that the Lord ol 
hosts hath sent me unto thee : Zech ii. 10, IL The 
Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty ; he will 
save, he will rejoice over thee with joy ; he will rest in 
his love ; he will joy over thee with singing : Zeph. iii. 
17. For I would not, brethren, that ye should be igno- 
rant of this mystery, (lest ye should be wise in your own 
conceits) that blindness in part is happened to Israel, 
until the fulness of the Gentiles. And so all Israel shall 
be saved ; as it is written. There shall come out of Sion 
the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Ja- 
cob ; for this is my covenant unto them, when I shall 
take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they 
are enemies for your sakes ; but as touching the election, 
they are beloved for the fathers' sake. For the gifts and 
callings of God are without repentance. For as ye in 
time past have not believed God, yet have now obtained 
mercy through their unbelief, even so have these also 
now not believed, that through your mercy they also may 
obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in un- 
belief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth 
of the riclies both of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! 
how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past 
finding out !" Rom. xi, 25 — 32. 



306 THAT GOD WILL PERFORM ALL HIS PROMISES. 

"The word of the Lord is tried; he is a buckler to all those that 
trust in him. " Ps. xviii. 30. 

Hope in the promises of God is an anchor to the soul ; 
whatever storms or tempests are without, or however the 
swelHng waves of corruption may roll within, yet, the 
Christian knows that the God in whom he trusts is 
mightier than all ; and therefore rests himself on the 
promises He has made to his people. David had fre- 
quently put the promises of the Lord to the test, but 
never found one of them once to fail him ; he was, there- 
foLe, bold and daring. If a troop stood in his way he 
ran through them : 2 Sam. xxii. 30. If a wall crossed 
his path he leaped over it : Ps. xviii. 29. And when 
his enemies rose up against him they stumbled and fell : 
Ps. xxvii. 2. So that he could from experience say, 

'- The word of the Lord is tried, " In every age of 
the world, the saints have tried it, and ever found it to 
be immovable as a mountain of brass : Deut. vii. 9. 
No matter how far forward some of the promises may 
appear to be, they shall all be performed in due season : 
Isa. XXV. I. •' The ivord of the Lord^^ has been tried 
ojten and never failed in any one thing : 1 Kin. viii. 
56. Whatever God promises. He performs ; and we 
ought to consider his saying of it to be like his doing of 
it : Isa. xlvi. 11. Men frequently promise in order to 
deceive ; but not so with God ; for should the sun for- 
get to rise, God will never fail to perform all his word : 
Heb. X. 23. 

'"' He is a buckler to all those that trust in him, " Yes, 
only take God at his ivord, and you will 6nd by happy 
experience that he is your buckler, A buckler, or 
shield, is a piece of defensive armor, used to ward off 
the blows of swords or arrows. The truth and favor of 
God are the shield and buckler of all those that trust in 
him : Ps. v. xii : xviii. 2, 35 : xci. 4. Nothing but con- 
solation, sweet, strong, and lasting consolation, ariseth to 
poor sinners from the word of truth. You who have 
Jesus for your refuge, have the Lord for your buckler ; 
and his tried-ivord for your support. '' Trust in him,^' 
live to him, venture your all upon him, and you will find 
every promise will be fulfilled by him : Numb, xxiii. 19, 
Read the word, search it^ and trust in it. 



THAT GOD WILL PERFORM ALL HIS PROMISES. 307 

" Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass 
aw^ay." Mati. xxiv. 35. 

Such is the declaration of the mighty God, the ever- 
lasting Father, the Prince of Peace: Isa. ix. 6. Never 
was there a foundation so strong as that on which a 
disciple of Christ builds his faith ; and that is laid in the 
promises of God. The mountains may be hurled from 
their seats, and buried in the mighty deep : Ps. xlvi. 1 — 
3 : the pillars of heaven may tremble, bend, and break, 
but God's v/ord remains the same : Isa. xl. 8. " Heaven 
a?id earth shall pass away ; " for God has ordained that 
they should be champed : Ps. cii. 25 — 27. But the word 
of the Lord is settled in heaven; as also revealed on 
earth, and -^ shall not pass away : " Ps. cxix. 89. Turn 
which way you will, you meet with the mercy of the 
Lord, can trace his providence, and still find cause for 
depending on his truth, for all that he has promised. 
And that truth having never deceived you, what more 
can you want ? what further evidence can you require ? 
is not eternal Veracity sufiicient ? Is He not your Tower, 
your Rock, your Refuge, your Strength, your Redeemier, 
and your Portion ? Ps. Ixi. 3 : Isa. xxxii. 2. It was Fie 
who graciously invited you^ entwined the cords of his 
love around your wandering heart, and drew you to him- 
self : Jer. xxxi. 3 : John vi, 44. The covenant which 
he has entered into with you has been sealed by his 
blood, and can never be broken : Isa. Iv. 3. The Re- 
deemer's dying legacy to all his dear children is Peace ; 
nothing but love dwells in his heart ; and nothing but 
peace is heard from his lips. 

Faitli in the promises of God will ren^iove all fears, 
and chase away all sorrow. Was he ever faithful and 
kind ? He is still the same : Heb. xiii. 8. '' Ye know 
in all your hearts, and in all your souls, that not one 
thing hath lliiled, of all the good things which the Lord 
your God spake concerning you ; all are come to pass 
unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof: " Josh, 
xxiii. 14: 1 Kin. viii. 56. Jesus, the Z>o^.i>'05, the Word, 
the Maker of all things, who w^as made flesh, declares, 
that '^ his words shall not pass away : " John i. 1 — 3, 
14. Our hope is established and strengthened through 
patience and comfort of the promises of God : Rom. xv. 4. 



308 THAT GOD WILL PERFORM ALL HIS PROMISES. 

" The grass withereth, the flower fadeth ; but the word of our God 
shall stand forever. " Jsa. xl. 8. 

Nature and necessity are the LorcFs ; and none can 
limit him. He speaks the word and it comes to pass ; 
and none can resist his omnipotent will : Numb, xxiii. 
19. We have here. 

1st. A true emblem of man : ^* the grass icithcreih ;" 
so man, with all his boasted power, is not to be trusted 
to ; for. in the heigbth of all bis enjoymentSj he mav be 
suddenly called upon to experience a sad reverse ; to- 
day, he may be fat and flourishing : lo-morrow. faded 
and lean ; to-day. full and fruitful , to-morrow, sapless 
and dry. " The fiower fadeth : '' youth may be bloom- 
ing with beauty to-day : to-morrow, faded and gone. 
Though art and nature may combine to make a perfect 
beauty, there is nothing belonging to man that can be 
depended upon ; for still, **' the fioirer fadeth ; " and the 
Lord alone is the only foundation on which we can build 
our hopes. Of what has man to boast, even in his best 
estate ? And, 

^2d. The validity o( the word of God ; '' But the 
uord of our God shall stand Jorever. '*' FJe stretehed 
out the heavens, and hung their lofty arches with bril- 
liant lamps ; and created the earth and sea by the word 
of his power; and these shall all be changed; but He 
remains the same: Heb. i, 10 — 12. '* The w^ord of our 
God. " and that grace which is brought with it to us, 
and vrrought by it in us, ** shall stand forever : "' 1 Pet. 
i. 23 — 25. When every creature-comfort withers and 
fades, a Christian has this best of all consolations left, 
^•'The word of God shall stand : *' Ps. Ixxxix. 34. In 
all generations the perfections of God are the same. He 
who divided the sea — rained bread from heaven — and 
broke the flinty rock, for the good of his people, remains 
ever the same : Deut. vii. 9. His words are clear and 
distinct, without the least deceit ; and such as may well 
secure the confidence, and satisfy the desires of the weak- 
est of all believers who hang upon them. IVeither heaven, 
earth, nor hell, have ever witnessed the least deviation 
from truth and justice on the part of God : Isa. liv. 9, 
10. ^- The word of our God *' has stood ; does stand ; 
and '- shall stand forever, '' 



THAT GOD WILL PERFORM ALL HIS PROMISES. 309 

He is faitiiful that has promised." Heb, x. 23. 

We often break the promises we make with God ; but 
He never fails in any thing he has promised to us. And 
therefore, his faithfulness to his promises, maf well en* 
courage our faith in his promises : H-Ds. ii. 19, 20. 
Suffer not the carnal reasonings of the flesh, the contempt 
of wicked men, or the base insinuations of the devil, to 
put you to a stand. ^^ It is written," is an argument 
sufficient to support your soul against every attack of the 
most wily foe. The world and its children may, yea, 
will, prove false and fickle ; but the foundation of God 
standeth sure : 2 Tim. ii. 19. That God has hitherto 
been faithful to his promises, I need only to refer to your 
own experience ; to the dangers seen and unseen He 
has protected you in, and brought you through ; to the 
intricate paths, through which he has led you ; and the 
many troubles from which he has delivered you. Often 
has He caused light to break o\at of obscurity, and turned 
your midnight into noon-day : Deut. xxxii. 11, 12. He 
has been your unerring Guide even when you knew not 
how to ask his counsel : Ps. xxv. 8. He has often con- 
founded your unbelief, by supplying your needs unex- 
pectedly ; and though your faith has often failed, his 
goodness has never failed. 

Say, have you not hitherto found him a kind, faithful^ 
never-failing fountain of mercy, goodness, and truth? 
Has he not frequently hushed your troubled breast, and 
in the sweetest accents spoken peace to your distressed 
soul ? Jer. xxxi. 3. Recall to your mind the many 
times when he has literally fulfilled his word, by sending 
immediate answers to your prayers ; and proved himself 
yourhel|)er, when every other help has failed you ; and 
you will then be constrained to acknowledge, that " He 
is faithful that has promised^^^ You still have his faithful 
word ; his precious promises ; his solemn oath, all pledged 
for your security and salvation. " He is faithful : ^* 
ever plead his faithfulness ; and let a remembrance of the 
past encourage you to trust him for the future ; for '^ He 
is faithful^ Be not fickle but faithful. Let faith 
carry you through all the ways of God, while you rely 
on the promises of God ; for " He is faithful that has 
promised, ^^ 

27 



310 THE BENEDICTION, 

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." 
Rev. xxii.21. 

Christian Reader : — After having laid before you 
so many of those " exceeding great and precious prom- 
ises," secured unto you by last will and testament of the 
adorable Redeemer, permit me now to assure you, that 

1 desire nothing more, than that '* ihe grace of our Lord 
Jesus Christ may be with you " in this hie, to prepare 
you to be with him in the next. The apostle, John, 
could wish the church nothing more ; and I can wish 
you nothing less. And that you might see the nature 
of this the Apostles, and my wish, Observe, 

Grace is put for, (1) The free eternal love of God, 
the spring and source of every other good : 2 Tim. i. 9. 
(2) The free imputation of Christ's righteousness, by 
w^hich we become righteous in the sight of God : Rom. v. 
20. (3) The work of the Holy Spirit, renewing the 
soul after the image of God — and assisting us in the dis- 
charge of all those duties required of us : 2 Cor. xii. 9. 
(4) That state of friendship and reconcihation with God 
which He graciously bestows : Rom. v. 2. (5) The 
free love, favor, and bounty of Jesus Christ : 2 Cor. viii. 
9. (6) The pure doctrines of the Gospel of Christ, 
proceeding from grace : 1 Pet. v. 12. (7) A hberal and 
charitable disposition, wrought in the heart by the grace 
of God: 2 Cor. viii. 7. (8) Spiritual instruction and 
edification : Eph. iv. 29. (9) The ofHce of apostleship, 
together with ability for the v/ork of the ministry : Eph. 
iii. 8. (10) A lively sense of the free undeserved favor 
of God in the soul : Rom. i. 7. (11) The love of God 
dwelling in the heart ; or the assistance of divine grace ; 

2 Cor. i. 12. (12) Faith, patience, and other graces, 
that enable us to bear and support us under afflictions : 
Phil. i. 7. (13) Eternal hfe, or final salvation, which 
God will graciously bestow, when Jesus Christ shall be 
revealed : 1 Pet. i. 13. (14) It is also put for some-^ 
thing beautiful and graceful : Prov. iv. 9. And (15) 
For favor and friendship with man : Gen. xxxix. 4. 

Such, beloved, is the nature of the Apostle's wish, and 
of my most fervent prayer ; and to which, I have no 
doubt, you v/ill add, with me, your most hearty ''Amen ;'' 
So be it — Lord, as thy servant has desired, So let it be. 



AN APPENDIX: 

COJ^TAINING A COMPENDIUM OF THE BIBLE : 

WITH IJ-LUSTRATIONS, &C. &C. 

BIBLE, 

The word, ^^ Bible," signifies jBoofc ; and is so called 
on account of its being a Book of Books ; sixty-six in 
all. The wkole Bible, consisting of the Old and New 
Testaments, Is commonly called the ^' Scriptures ; '' 
jand which signifies, writings. They were written by 
different persons, at different times, and in diiferent places ; 
and since the canon of Scripture has been filled up, as 
also before, the whole is called, ''The book of the Lord :" 
Isa. xxxiv. 16. They were inspired by the Lord ; and 
abound with the most sublime descriptions of bim : 2 Tim. 
iii. 16, 17. The Bible descvibes, not only the nature ol 
God and what He is in himself, but also, the relations in 
which He stands to us as his cjeatures : Isa. Ixiii. 16 : 
Mai. ii. 10. And scarcely could there be a question 
asked, by any serious mind, concerning the Divine being, 
but may be answered by the Scriptures. They are 
sanctioned by the Lord ; and he has affixed his seal to 
the truth of them. See Isa. Iv. 10, 11 : Rom. i. 16 : 1 
Thes. ii. 13. They find us far from God, and mark out 
the path by which we are brought back to onr Father's 
house: Isa.!iii.6 : John iii. 16 — 18. If you would gain 
instruction^ attentively read the Bible; fortliatis a book 
of knowledge, with every page replete with sacred infor- 
mation •: ^ Tim. iii. 15. If you want examples, you will 
find the Bible a Book of models ; for the precepts there 
contained, not only describe what men ought to be, but, 
in living characters, show what they really were : Heb. xi. 
To gain excitements you have only to read the Bible, 
and you have a Book of motives the most powerful ; 
addressed, not only to the understanding, but, to the 
conscience and heart. If you need encouragements, all 
you have to do is lo read your Bihle ; for there you 
have a book of " precious promises " and '' strong conso- 
lations ; " suited to every case, and well calculated to 
meet every emergency. Ps. xix. 7 — 11. 



312 DIVISIONS OF THE BIBLE. 

The Old Testament was chiefly written in the Hebrew 
language ; and the New Testament iti the Greek. The 
present Enghsh Bible was translated out of the original 
tongues in the reign of King James I. It contains two col- 
lections of writings, (Hstingmshed by the titles of the Old 
Testament and the New Testament. The former contains 
the successive revelations of the will of God to man before 
the h\nh of ChrisC ; and the latter comprises the writings 
of the Evangelists and Apostles of the Redeemer. The 
two pai'ts include sixty-six books. The ancient Jews 
classed the- thirty-nine books of the Old Testament m 
three divisions ; and those portions were called, 1st. Tbe 
Law-, 2d. The Prophets \ and 3d. The Holy Writings. 
Thekw, containino; the five books af Moses, was called 
the PentHteuch ; fr^rn a word signifying frveifistrtrments. 
The pix>pbets inckided Joshua, Judges, the two books of 
Samuel, and the two bti^ks €)f Kings, which were called, 
" the Former Prophets." And the " Latter Prophets '^ 
comprised Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the tw^elve lesser 
prophetical books from Hosea to Makclii, w hich were 
all reckoned one book. The Holy Writings comprehend- 
ed the book of Ruth ; the two books of Chronicles ; Ezra ; 
Kehemiah ; Esther"; Job ; tbe Psalms ; Proverbs r Ec- 
elesiastes ; Solomon's Song ; Lamentations : and the 
book of DanieL 

When "'Lord " is printed in capital letters, it is in the 
original, '^Jehovah." All words printed in Italics are 
not in tl>e arigiQal ; but are merely designed by the trans- 
lators to make it read in English ; for without si>ch words, 
the sense, in many places, would be incomplete. 

That arrangeme«t of the Sacred Writings adopted in 
our Bibles, is not regulated by the exact order of time ; 
although it is universally allowed, that the book cf 
Genesis is the first, and the prophecy of Malacbi the last 
of the books of the Old Testament. 

The books of the Bible, when first written, were not 
divid^ed into Chapters and Verses ; neither were there 
any marks of punctuation or stops ; b«t letter followed 
letter as if ^very line had been a single word. Tbe 
Jew^s, however^ begua very early to point their sections ; 
tliough it is not certain when this improvement w as made. 

The division of the several boQks into chapters a»d 



TABLE OF BOOKS. 313 

verses is a modem invention ; and though useful in many 
respects, there are serious disadvantages attending it ; for 
by it the sense of the writer is frequently obscured. For 
example : The first verse of the seventh chapter of the 
second epistle to the Corinthians should be read along 
with the sixth chapter. In order, therefore, to obtain a 
general view of the plan and connection of any particular 
book, it should be carefully read all through, without 
paying the least regard to this arbitrary division. 

In the New Testament, it frequently occurs that names 
are differently spelt from what they are in the Old, For 
example : Isaiah is called Esaias : Matt. iii. 3 : Isa. xL 
3, 4. Joshua, who was a type of the Redeemer, is, 
according to the true signification of his name, called 
Jesus : Acts vii. 45 : Heb. iv. 8. Hosea is called Osee ; 
Rom. ix. 25 : Hosea i. 10 : ii. 23. This should ever be 
kept in mind, or v>^e may make many serious mistakes in 
reading. To properly understand the true meaning of 
any passage, or chapter, it will be well to consider the 
whole design of the writer ; and ihis will be readily dis- 
covered by the preceding and following parts of the same 
book. 

TABLE OF BOOKS, 8iC. 

The following table is believed to contain accurate 
particulars of the English version of the Bible ; and though 
it may profit but few, it will probably please most reader?. 

In the Old Testament. In the New Testament. Total. 

. . • » 27 . . » 66 

... 260 .. . 1,189 

. . . 7,959 . . 31,173 

. . 181,253 , . 773,746 

Letters 2,728,100 . • . 838,380 . 3,566,480 

The middle chapter and the shortest in the Bible, is 

the one hundred and seventeenth Psalm : the middle 

verse is the eighth of the one hundred and eighteenth 

Psalm. The nineteenth chapter of the second book of 

Kings and the thirty-seventh chapter of Isaiah are both 

alike. The twenty-first verse of the seventh chapter of 

flzra has all the letters of the alphabet in it, excepting J, 

CJ^ The reader will observe, that, in noticing th>e 

several books of the Bibhy the figure or figlires on tb^ 

27=* 



Books 


. . 39 


Chapters 


. . 929 . 


Verses 


23,214 


Words . 


592,493 . 



314 GENESIS. 

left, designate the chapter to which the remarks Immedi- 
ately following belong* 

GENESIS. 

Genesis signifies creation, generation, or beginning. 
This book was written by Moses : it relates the history 
of the Creation, and about twenty-four generations de- 
scended from Adam. It contains a history of about 2369 
years. 

Chapter 1. Tells us how the world was made. 2. 
Of the formation of man, and his happiness in Eden. 
3. The fall of Man .--r the Serpent cursed, and the 
Saviour promised. 4. The births, trades, and religions 
of Cain and Abel : the murder of Abel — -the curse of 
Cain — rr and building of the first city. 5. The gene- 
alogy, ages, and deaths of the patriarchs from Adam 
to Noah — ^the godliness and translation of Enoch. 6. 
The provoking wickedness of the antediluvian world — 
Noah's finding favor with God ^-^ the order, form, and 
end of the ark. 7. The preservation of Noah and 
hjs family — ^^the beginning, increase, and continuance 
of the flood. 8. The assuaging of the waters — Noah's 
leaving the ark — his sacrifice accepted — -God's cove* 
nant with him. 9. God's covenant established — the 
rainbow as a sign — Noah'^s drunkenness — Canaan 
cursed — Shemi blessed — and Japheth prayed for. 10. 
Nimrod the first monarch. 11. The building of Ba- 
bel — the confusion of tongues — the generations of 
Shem — and of Terah, the father of Abrarn. 12. 
Abram's call, blessing, and proFuise of Christ — Canaan 
is promised to him and his seed. 13. Abram and his 
nephew Lot seperate by disagreement — Lot removes 
to Sodom. 14. The battle of four Kings against five — 
Lot is taken prisoner and rescued by Abram. 15. Isaac 
is promised — and the promise of Canaan renewed. IG. 
Hagar is afflicted — comforted by an angel — ^^Ishmael 
is born. 17. The change of Abram's name to that of 
Abraham, and his wife Sarai's to that of Sarah, in token 
of a greater blessing — Isaac is again promised — Abra^ 
.ham and Ishmael are circumcised. 18. Abraham 
entertains three angels — he intercedes for the men of 
godpm. 19. Lot entertains two angels — the Sodomites 



GENESIS. 315 

are stricken with blindness — Sodom and Gomorrah are 
destroyed — Lot escapes to the mountains — his wife is 
a pillar of salt — he commits drunkenness and incest, 
20. Abraham denies his wife through fear^ loses and 
reg^ains her. 21 . The birth and circumcision of Isaac — - 
Sarah rejoices — Hagar and Ishmael are sent away. 

22. The trial of Abraham's faith in offering up Isaac. 

23. The age and death of Sarah — the purchase of 
Machpelah, where Sarah was buried. 24. Abraham 
swears his servant, and sends him to seek a wife for 
Isaac — his journey — Rebekah meets him, invites him 
home, introduces him to her friends, and consents to go 
with him — ^^he brings her to Isaac, and she becomes his 
wife. 25. The age, death, and burial of Abraham — 
age and death of Ishmael — birth of Esau and Jacob — 
Esau sells his birthright. 26. Isaac removes to Gerar 
because of famine — God blesses him there — he is 
reproved for denying his wife — he grows rich — Esau 
survives. 27. Jacob feigns himself to be Esau, and 
obtains his father's blessing. 28. The Vision of Jacob's 
Ladder — his vow. 29. Jacob's first interview with 
Rachel — he covenants for her — he is deceived with 
Leah — births of Reuben, Simeon, Lev^i, and Judah. 
30. Rachel bears Joseph — Jacob becomes rich. 3L 
Jacob leaves Laban and is pursued by him. 32. Jacob 
wrestles w^ith an angel — is called Israel — and made 
to halt. 33. The meeting of Jacob and Esau — their 
kindness to each other. 34. Dinah is ravished by She- 
chem — the sons of Jacob slay the Shechemites, and 
spoil their city. 35. Benjamin is born — Rachel dies. 
36. Esau's wives - — the Kings of Edom. 37. Joseph 
is hated of his brethren — his dreams — his death con- 
spired — is sold to the Ishmaelites — is sold to Potiphar. 
38. The birth and sin of Onan. 39. Joseph is advanced 
in Potiphar's house — resists the temptation of his mis- 
tress — is falsely accused, and cast into prison. 40* 
The dreams of the butler and baker of Pharaoh in 
prison — Joseph interprets them. 41. Pharaoh's tw^o 
dreams — Joseph interprets them — -gives Pharaoh ad*» 
vice — is advanced — begets Manasseh and Ephraim — 
the famine commences. 42 to 47. Contain the remain- 
ing part of the history of Joseph. 48. Joseph with his 



816 EXODUS. 

sons visit Jacob in his sickness, who blesses them, and 
foretels their return to Canaan. 49. Jacob blesses his 
sons — charges them concerning his burial — -and dies. 
50. Joseph goes to bury his father — the funeral — 
Joseph comforts his brethren who begged his pardon — 
his age — he lives to see the third generation of his 
sons — foretels to his brethren of their return — takes 
an oath of them concerning his bones — -he dies — is 
embalmed and put into a coffin in Egypt — -in which 
he was carefully preserved. 

EXODUS. 

This is the second book of Moses ; and is called 
Exodus, on account of its relating to the history of the 
Israelites* leaving Egypt ; as the word signifies departure 
or going forth. It is a narrative of the transactions of 
about 145 years, from the death of Joseph, to the erec- 
tion of the tabernacle in the year of the world 2514. 

Chapter 1. Describes God's kindness and the Egyp- 
tians' wickedness to Israel. They were oppressed - — 
enslaved, and their children murdered. 2. The birth 
and preservation of Moses. 3. God's appearing unto 
Moses in the burning bush. 4. God's message by Moses 
to Pharaoh. 4 to 12. Moses' miracles — -the ten plagues 
on Egypt— rr the departure of the Israelites. 13 to 19. 
Their passage through the sea — the destruction of 
Pharaoh and his host in the same — their journeyings to 
mount Sinai, 20. The ten commandments. 21 to 23. 
Laws for servants and different crimes. 24. Moses is 
forty days in the mountain. 25. The orders given to 
Moses for the erectino; and furnishino; of a tabernacle to 
the honor and service of God. 26 and 27. Further 
instructions concerning the tabernacle for the worship of 
God. 28. Aaron and his sons are set apart for the 
priest's office. 29. Orders given concerning the priests 
— the altar — and daily sacrifice. 30. The altar of 
incense, and ransom of souls. 31. The observation of 
the Sabbath again commanded — Moses receives the two 
tables. 32. The people in the absence of Moses make 
and worship a calf. 33. The Lord talketh familiarly 
with Moses. 34. Moses after forty days returns from 
the mount with the two tables. The 35th and five fol^ 



LEVITICUS NUMBERS^. 317 

lowing chapters, relate to the Sabbath — the free gifts 

— the hberahty of the people — the ark — the altar — 
the clothes of service — and the rearing of the tabernacle* 

Saint Paul, in the tenth chapter of his first epistle to 
the Corinthians, has furnished us with a practical im- 
provement of many of the eveiits recorded in this book, 

Moses — the vision of the burning bush — the pilfer 
of cloud and fire — the manna — the rock — and the 
tabernacle, were all typical ; and pre-figured Christ. 
The deliverance of the children of Israel from Egyptian 
bondage, strikingly sets forth our deliverance from sin,; 
and their journey in gs through the wilderness, resemble 
ours through this worlc?. 

LEVITICUS^^* 

This third book of Moses is called Leviticus, because 
it treats chiefly of those laws and offices relating to the 
Levitical priesthood. The first seven chapters prescribe 
the laws of the various offerings. In the eighth chapter 
we have an account of the consecration of Aaron and his 
sons to the priest's office — the death of Nadab and 
Abihu, two of Aaron'^s sons, for offering common fire 
which God had forbidden. 11 to IS. The laws rela- 
ting to uncleanness, and mea.ns of purification. The- 
17th and five following chapters, contain laws prohibiting 
the eacino; of blood — sacrificins: to deriTs — thefts — 
alliance with the Canaanites, and other sins. 2S. 
Laws for the feasts of passover — • pen tecost-^ trumpets 

— expiation — and the feast of tabernacles-. 24. One 
is punished with death for blasphemy. 25. Rules laid 
down for the years of release and jubilee. 26, Mercy 
is promised to the penitent, and vengeance threatened to 
the disobedient. The last chapter gives regulations con- 
cerning things devoted to the Lord. 

The best commentary that can be given to this book, 
is the epistle to the Hebrews, The things here described 
are but the shadows of which Christ is the substance, 

NUMBERS, 

Such is the name of the fourth book of Moses ; and Ts 
so called because it relates to the numbermgs and jour« 
neyings of the Hebrews in the desert. It is a history of 



318 DEUTERONOMY- 



• JOSHU^A. 



about thirty-nine years. It shows how the promise 
to Abraham was literally fulfilled : See Gen. xv. 5. 
This promise has also a spiritual fulfilment: Gal. iii. 29. 
This book gives an account of the journeyings — mur- 
murings — and punishments of the Israelites. Chapter 
22, gives an account of Balak's fruitless attempts to curse 
them. The brazen serpent is a striking type of the 
Redeemer, who was hung on the cross — -and is held 
up on the pole of the gospel : See chap 21 : and John 
iii. 14, 15 ; xii. 32, 33. 

DEUTERONOMY. 

Deuteronomy is the last book of Moses. Its name 
signifies the second Jaw ; or a second edition of the law. 
It briefly recounts many of the circumstances recorded in 
the former books ; and records no new history but that 
of the death of Moses in the last chapter. The eigh- 
teenth verse of the eighteenth cha})ter, is a very clear 
prophecy ol Christ, Notwithstanding this book contains 
much of what has gone before it, it may be considered 
more sublime, and its matter more plain, than either of 
the former books. It is full of instructions : and abounds 
with practical directions as applicable to us as to Israel. 

JOSHUA. 

We are not certain that Joshua wrote this book, 
tliough it is called by his name ; but if any one else wrote 
it they must have had his journals or memoirs. Joshua 
was first called Oshea : Numb. xiii. 16: or Hoshea: 
Deut. xxxii. 44; but to show that he would render 
Israel safe and happy, he was called Jehoshua or Joshua, 
which signifies the Saviour ; hence he is called Jesus : 
See Acts vii. 45 : Heb. iv. 8. Joshua was a descend- 
ant of Ephraim ; and was born, A. M. 2460. The book 
of Joshua contains the history of about thirty years ; it 
gives an account of the conquest and division of the land 
of Canaan — the happiness of God's peculiar people — 
the awful judgments inflicted on their enemies — and 
shows how exactly God fulfilled his promises to Abra^ 
ham, in giving to his seed Canaan for a possession* 
When Joshua found that his end drew near, he assem» 
bled the Hebrews and briefly recounted to them tb? 



JUDGES KUTH. 319 

great thinn;s that God had done for them and their 
fathers ; and caused them to renew their covenant with 
God in the most solemn manner. He died at the age 
of one hundred and ten years ; and was buried at Tim- 
nath-serah : See Chap xxiv. 

Joshua might be considered a very distinguished type 
of the Redeemer. God called and qualified him for his 
office ; and was with him in all his undertakings ; and 
even bis 7iame is pregnant with salvation. 

JUDGES* 

This book contains the history of about 309 years ; 
and is a very short account of the affairs of Israel, from 
the death of Joshua to that of Sampson. It contains 
two parts — the first one ending at the sixteenth chapter,, 
and whioh comprises a regular history ; and the five fol- 
lowing chapters contain some remarkable events which 
happened during that time. The Jews had ordinary 
Judges both for civil and religious causes. The high 
priest was a kind of supreme judge. No judge was al- 
lowed to receive presents ; nor to regard men either for 
poverty or greatness ; and all were required to honor them: 
See Exod. xxiii • Deut. xvi. 18 — 20. Some of them 
were immediately called of God ; and others were elect- 
ed by the people : See the third and eleventh chapters. 

The judges executed the laws — reformed or protected 
religion — j)unished malefactors — had the sole manage- 
ment of peace and war — and had an absolute authority 
in deciding causes. But they levied no taxes ; and had* 
no other attendance than what their own income would 
allow them. 

In the sinful conduct of the Israelites, we cannot lielp 
observing the awful depravity of man — the certainty of 
punishment following sin — and the goodness of God in 
forgiving sins ; while all their temporal deliverers may 
point to Christ, our Captain, Deliverer, and Judge. 

RUTH. 

We have in this book a short history of the domestic 
affairs of one particular family ; and it is probable, that 
Samuel was the writer of it. Its design is to show us 
how conversant Providence is about all aur private con- 



320 1 SAIftUEL t SAMUEL. 

cerns ; and to teach us to acknowledge God in a!l our 
wavs ; and to lead us to Christ who descended from 
Ruth ; a part of whose genealogy concludes the book : 
See Matt. i. 5. In the first chapter, we have an account 
of the afflictions of Naomi and Ruth. 2. Of their in- 
dustry and humiUty. 3. Of their being brought into an 
alliance with Boaz. 4. Their happy settlement. 

Let us follow Christ as Ruth followed Naomi ; and 
then, like her, we shall not lose our reward : See chap. 
i. 16, 17 : and then say the same of Christ. 

1 SAMUEL. 

This book contains the history of about eighty years 
— the prayer of Hannah — " the birth of Samuel — the 
destruction of Eli's house — - the Israelites requiring a 
king — the annointing of Saul — -and of David — the 
persecutions of David — and the death of Saul and his 
sons. And from the whole we may learn, the great dif- 
ference that is made by true rehgion. Compare the 
conduct and end of Saul with that of David ; and the 
behaviour of Eli's sons with that of Samuel. 

From the history of Eli, Samuel, and David, we may 
learn, that it is through much tribulation we must enter 
the kingdom of heaven. See Acts xiv. 22. And in 
Eh's sons, Saul, and Nabal, \ye may observe, that sin is 
the high*road to ruin, misery, and death. But above all, 
let your eye of faith be fixed on Christ ; of whom David 
was a type ; and by looking at the oppositions — afflic- 
tions — persecutions — - deliverances — - and final triumph 
of David^ you may be enabled to see much of your 
Saviour ; and learn that his grace has ever been suffic- 
ient for all who have put their trust in him. 

2 SAMUEL. 

In this book we are furnished with a history of the 
reign of David, for about forty years. It gives an account 
of his accession to the throne — his victories — and his 
attempts to promote religion. Chapter 11. Contains the 
account of David^s sin in the case of Uriah. 1 2. Nathan's 
parable of the ewe-lamb, and birth of Solomon. 13, 
Amnon ravishes Tamar. 14 to 19. The rebellion of 
Absalom. 20. Rebellion of Sheba. 21, Three years 



1 KiLNGS — 2 KINGS. 32i 

famine— Saul's seven sons hanged ^^— the bones of Saul 
and Jonathan are buried. 24. The plague in consequence 
of David's corajielhng Joab to number the people — and 
his deep repentance for his sm. 

In David's fall, we may easily discover the strength 
and prevalence of man's corraption ; and in his recovery 
the extent and efficacy of divine grace. It is probable^ 
that Samuel wrote the history of his own time ; and that, 
after his death, some of the prophets that were with David 
continued it. David's reign prefigures the reign of Christ* 
See Rom. xv. 4 : Luke i. 31 — 33. 

1 KINGS. 

This book contains the history of 126 years. In 
chapter 1. We have an account of Solomon's appoint* 
ment to the throne. 2. Of" David's death, 3 to 10. 
The glorious reign of Solomon -— the building of the 
temple — - the Queen of Sheba's admiration of Solomon's 
wisdom — -his gold — and his chariot's. 1 1. The cloud 
behind which Solomon's sun went down. 12 to 14. 
The divisions in the kingdom in the reign of Rehoboam 
— his and Jeroboam's reign. (From the time the king- 
dom was divided, the Ten tribes were called Israel ; and 
the Two tribes of the kingdom of Judah were called 
Jews,) 15, 16. The reigns of Abijah and Asa over 
Judah — and Baasha and Omri over Israel. 17 to 22. 
An account of Elijah's miracles — - Ahab's success — - 
wickedness — and fall. 

From the whole, it is evident, that kings are but men ; 
^.nd as such, are mortal, and accountable. However we 
may look upon Solomon's person, his quiet reign seems 
to be a type of the peaceful reign of the Redeemer. 
There can be no doubt of the temple itself, wherein sacri^ 
fices were offered, being a figure of the church of Christ. 
When Israel followed the Lord, it went well w ith them : 
but no longer, 

2 KINGS. 

We have m this book the history of 344 years. Chap- 
ters 1 and 2 contain the account of Elijah's fetching fire 
from heaven — and ascending in a chariot of fire to heaven, 
3 to 7. The many miracles of Elisjja. 8 to 10* Of 

28 



322 1 CHRONICLES 2 CHONICLES. 

the annolniino; of Hazael and Jeha • — the former for the 
correction of Israel — and the latter for the destruction 
of the house of wicked Ahab, 11 to 16. The reio-ns of 

o 

the several kings of Judah and Israel. 17. The cap- 
tivity of the ten tribes. 18 to 20. The glorious reign of 
good old Hezekiah — his sickness — prayer ^ — and deaths 
21. Manasseh's v/icked reign —and death. 22. Josiah's 
good reign. 23 to 25. Josiah's death — the siege and 
destruction of Jerusalem by the king ol Babylon. The 
TEN tribes of Israel, for theiv wickedness, were carried 
captive to Assyria. And about 160 years afterward^ 
Judah was carried captive to Babylon. 

We may learn from the whole, that, while righteous- 
ness exalteth a nation, sin is a disgtace to any people^ 
Observe the faithfulness and goodness of God- 

1 CIIHONICLES. 

In the first nine chapters of this fii^st book of Chrcni-* 
cles, we have a collection of sacred genealogies from 
Adam to David ; with many other short, but useful pas- 
sao'es, not before inserted. From 10 to 21. We have a 
repetition of the removal of the kingdom from Saul tQ 
David — of David's reign — bis victories ^ — and his sin 
in numbering the people, which caused the death of 
70,000 — and the staying of the plague. 22 to 29. An 
original account of David's settling the church -affairs — 
and the preparations he made for building the temple. 

The genealogies are of importance, to prove that Christ 
came of the seed of Abraham. ^\nd David is a bright 
example of zeal and piety ; tlioagh not without sonie 
spots, which show the best of men to be but m.ortal. 

2 CHRONICLES. 

The first nine chapters of this bcok contain an account 
of Solom.on's peaceful reign — his greatness — his labor- 
ers for building the temple — the place and time^ of 
building the temple — the dedicated treasures — the 
queen of Sheba's' admiration of Solomon's wisdom — his 
gold — his chariot's and horses. 10 to 12. The reproach- 
ful reio^n of Rehoboam. 13. The three year's reign of 
Abijah. 14 to 16. The long and comfortable reign of 
Asa. 17 to 20. The pious and successful reign of 



EZRA NEHEMIAH. 323 

•fehosllaphat. 21, 22, The wicked and short reigns of 
Jehorara and Abaziah, 23. Jehoiada restores the wor- 
ship of God. 24, 25. The reigns of Joash and Amaziah 
— their falling to idolatry — and deaths. 26. The 
long arad prosperous reign of Uzziah ; who, for invading 
the priests' office, w^as smitten with a leprosy. 27. The 
orderly and prosperous reign of Jothani. 28. The im- 
pious reign of Ahaz. 29 to 32. The pious and glorious 
reio;n of good Hezekiah ~ and destruction of the Assyrian 
host by an angel of the Lord — - Hezekiah's death — 
and Manasseh's accession to the throne. 33. The infa- 
mous reigns of Manasseh and Amon. 34, 35. The 
good reign of Josiah. 36. The destructi^'-e reigns of the 
sons of Josiah. 

In the two books of Chronicles, we have a general 
view of the whole history from the Creation to the return 
of the Babylonish captivity ; in all, about 3468 years. 
The whole history is confined to the kings of Judah. 

E^RA. 

The history of this book is the accomplishment of 
Jeremiah's prediction concerning the return of the Jews 
out of Babylon, after 70 years captivity. Ezra, whose 
name signifies a helper^ preserved the records of that great 
revolution, and transmitted them to the church in this 
book. In chapters 1^ 2^ We have the account of their 
return from Babylon. 3 to 7. Of the rebuilding of the 
temple — the oppositions made by their enemies — its 
completion, and dedication. 7, 8. Of Ezra's coming to 
Jerusalem with the commission of the king Artaxerxes — 
and of Ezra's companions who came with him. 9, 10. 
Of the great service Ezra was to the people — his com- 
pelling those who had married strange wives to put them 
away — his mourning — prayer, and confession. 

This book gives the history of about 80 years ; and 
shows the benefit of afflictions to those, who, like tlie Jews 
in their captivity, seek after God. It ought also, to 
excite us to.be more than ever zealous in the cause of 
God, however it may be persecuted and depressed ; 
seeing that they who trust in liim, will in the end triumph. 

NEHEMIAH. 

Nehe?j:iah, whose name signifies consolation, was 



324 ESTHER. 

governor of Judeah for twelve years, under Artaxerxei?, 
king of Persia. Chapters 1 and 2, inform us of the 
great concern Kehemiah bad for Jerusalem — and the^^ 
commission he received from the king to go thither. 3, 
4. The great opposition he had to contend with in build- 
ing the wall of Jerusalem. 5. The manner in wdiich he 
redressed the grievance of his people. 6. The finishing 
of the w^all to the terror and confusion of their enemies. 

7. His account of the people with their substance. 8 
to 10. The solemn duties he called the people to. 11. 
The choosing of the rulers — and a catalogue of their 
Barnes, 12. The names of the priests and levites — 
the dedication of the walls. 12. His great zeal in re- 
forming different abuses. 

This truly pious man probably wrote his own history ; 
and after he had governed the Jewish state about thirty- 
six years he died^ about A. M. 3595. The great love 
that he bore to his afflicted brethren is a pattern we 
should imitate. 

ESTHER. 

Although the name of God is not in this book, the 
hand of God is plainly to be seen all through it. Esther, 
whose name signifies secret^ gives an account of a most 
remarkable, interposition of Divine Providence on the 
behalf of those Jews who were scattered abroad among 
the heathen. The history is continued through a period 
of about 20 years. We are informed in chapters 1 and 
2, how Esther came to be queen, and Mordecai to be 
so highly honored at court. 3. The cause of Haman's 
hatred — and the arts by which he obtained an order to 
destroy all the Jews. 4. The great distress of the 
Jews on account thereof. 5 to 7. Haman's particular 
plot to take the life of Mordecai defeated — and himself 
hung upon the lofty gallows he had erected for Mordecai, 

8. The defeating of the general plot against the Jews 
— Mordecai^s honor and the Jews' rejoicing. 9, 10. 
The hanoino^ of Haman's sons — and the care that was 
taken to perpetuate the remembrance of this deliverance. 

It is a matter of great uncertainty who wrote this sacred 
story ; but perhaps none were better qualified to do it, 
than Mordecai himself. Various were the liaks m tlb^n 



JOB, 325 

chaia with which this dehverance was effected ; and the 
whole goes to prove, that, ^^ The eyes of the Lord are 
upon the righteous^ and his ears are open to their cry ;" 
Ps. xxxiv. 15. '' He taketh the wise in their own crafti- 
ness." Job V. 13 : 1 Cor. iii. 10. 

JOB. 

Job, whose name signifies he that weeps, was a cele- 
brated inhabitant of the land of Uz ; and is supposed to 
have lived before Moses. But that he did live is quite 
certain ; for God mentions him as a righteous man, to- 
gether with Noah and Daniel: Ezek. xiv. 14, 20. And 
the apostle James speaks of his patience and happy end. 
James v. 11. This book stands unconnected with any 
other ; and may be considered doctrinal^ though the 
dialogues are poetical ; and it is called one of the poeti- 
cal IjooJcs, It contains an account of Job's heavy afflic- 
tions, and his great patience under them ; his deliverance 
from them, and happy end. 

The first chapter informs us of the piety, riches, and 
rehgious care of Job for his children — of the loss of his 
goods and children — his mourning, and blessing God. 
2. Of his sore bodily affliction — hi^ wife's telling him to 
curse God. 3. He complains of life because of his an- 
guish. His chief friends during his afflictions, were, 
Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, Zophar the 
Naamathite, and a young man named Elihu. Long 
conferences were held between them ; and though they 
mistook Job's case and charged him with hypocrisy, they 
gave many excellent advices to duty ; and intermingled 
many useful hints concering God. Elihu's discourse in 
chapters 32 to 42, appears to have had the best eifect 
upon Job's mind. He humbles himself to God, who 
stirs him up to shew his righteousness, power, and wisdom. 

Job's troubles were no sooner removed, than his friends 
came in from every quarter with presents ; and it was 
not long before his riches were double what they had 
formerly been. As God found no fault with Elihu, it 
appears that what he said was true ; and from His finding 
fault with Job and his other friends for their speeches, it 
is evident also, that we must not look to them as a per* 
feet standard for our faith and practice ; but must IsJ, 



326 PSALMS. 

other parts of Scripture determine how far we are to follow 
them. We may consider Job as a patient sufferer ; and 
imitate his faith in the Redeemer. SeeJobxix.23 to 29. 
If we look upon Inm as a type of Christ, and he appears 
to be a very striking one, we may well exclaim, How 
rich was he w4io for our sakes became poor, that we 
through his poverty might be rich ! 2 Cor. viii. 9. How 
great were his sufferings from God ! Rom. viii. 32. 
How greatly was he tried by Satan ! Matt. iv. 1 to 11. 
How falsely accused and insulted by men ! Luke xxiii. 
How surprisingly great his patience and resignation ! 
Matt. xxvi. 42. How highly exalted after his humiliation 
and suffering! Phil. ii. 6 — 11. How numerous and 
honorable his family, after his poverty and aiiliction ! 
Heb. ii. 9 — 13. It will be well for us, in all things to 
imitate Job, as far as he resembles our dear Redeemer, 
who has commanded us to learn of him. 

PSALMS. 

This book is one of the most extensive and useful in 
the Bible. The Psalms were composed by different 
persons, and at different times ; and there can be no 
doubt of David's having composed most of them. They 
contain the sum of the whole Bible ; and are suited to 
every case and condition of the saints. And in order to 
assist you in finding those that will be best suited to your 
case, I have given the following list of the Psalms. 

Psalms describing the majesty, power, glory, and other 
attributes of God — 8, 19, 24, 29, 33, 47, 50, 65, 66, 

76, 77, 93, 95, 96, 97, 99, 104, 111, 113, 114, 115, 
134, 139, 147, 148. 

Penitential prayers are foind in 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 
130, 143. 

Prayers for pardon of sin — 25, 38, 51, 130. 

Prayers for God's help — 7, 17, 26, 35, 44. 

Prayers when lawfully detained from public worship — 
42, 43, 63, 84. 

Pravers when cast down by affliction — 13, 22, 69, 

77, 88, 143. 

Prayers when laboring under persecutions or afflictions 
— 44, 60, 74, 79, 80, 83, 89, 94, 102, 123, 137. 

Confidence in God in afflictions — 3, 16, 27, 31, 54, 
86,57,61,62,71,86. 



\t 



PSALMS. 327 

Confidence in God when in trouble — 4, 5, 11, 28, 
41, 55, 59, 64, 79, 109, 120, 140, 142. 

Intercession — 20, 67, 122, 132, 144. 

Psalms of adoration and praise, exhibiting God's love, 
mercy, and goodness to his people — 23, 34, 36, 91, 
100,^103, 107, 117, 121, 145, 146, 150. 

The characters of good and bad men — their happi- 
ness and misery — 1, 5,7,9, 10,11, 12,14, 15, 17,24, 
25, 32, 34, 36, 37, 50, 52. 53, 58, 73, 75, 84, 91, 92, 
94, 112, 119, 121, 125, 127, 128, 133. 

The vanity of human life — 39, 49, 90. 

Humility— 131. 

The excellency of God's law — 19, 119. 

Advice to judges — 82, 101. 

Historical — 78, 105, 106. 

Prophetical — 2, 16, 22, 40, 45, 68, 72, 87, 100, 118. 

Psalms of thanksgiving for mercies to particular per- 
sons— 9, 18, 22, 30, 34, 40, 75, 103, 108, 116, 118, 
138, 144. 

To the Israelites — 46, 48, 65, 66, 68, 76, 81, 85, 
98, 105, 124, 126, 129, 135, 136, 149. 

This book is referred to in Luke xxiv. 44 ; and is there 
called ^^ the PsalmsJ^ The apostle Peter calls it " the 
Book oj Psalms : " Acts i. 20. Some of the Psalms 
that have not David's name in their title, are elsewhere 
ascribed to him ; as Ps. ii. Acts iv. 25 ; and Psalms 
96 and cv : 1 Chron. xvi. 7. David was a type of 
Christ — as was the Jewish nation of God's worshipping 
people — and their Canaan of that rest into which we 
enter by believing in Jesus, our Joshua. 

An acquaintance with the two books of Chronicles 
will greatly assist you in the studying of the Psalms ; for 
there you have the history of the writer of them. And 
the more you become acquainted with experimental 
religion, the more highly will you prize the book of 
Psalms. For whatever the situation might be in which 
you may be placed, you may always meet with some* 
thing in this book adapted to your case. And whatever 
may be your errand at a throne of grace, you may from 
thence derive something to assist you in the delivery of 
it ; and always find a running stream to quench your 
thirst, and cheer your soul. 



328 PROVERBS ECCLESIASTES. 

Solomon spake three thousand proverbs ; and his 
Songs were a thousand and five : 1 Kings iv^. 32. The 
most part of this book consists of short independenr sen- 
tences, spoken by Solomon the wisest of men. It is 
generally supposed, that Solomon, whose name signifies 
•peaceable, wrote this book of proverbs about the middle 
of his life, when his understanding was in full vigor, and 
under the inspiration of the Spirit of truth. This book 
abounds with short sentences generally understood, easily 
remembered, and not difficult to practice. Many have mi 

not always leisure to read, or penetration to comprehend m\ 

long discourses ; hut proverbs neither burden the memory, ' 

nor puzzle the understanding. 

The latter part of the first chapter exhibits the Gospel- 
call — and the awful calamities brought upon the Jews, 
and others, by rejecting of it. The eighth, and former 
part of the ninth chapters, represent Jesus Christ in his 
person, office, and benefits. The rest of the book relates, 
in general, to moral virtues and their contrary vices. 
This book stands unrivalled for wise speeches and whole- 
some advices. And it is a sad reflection upon the writer 
of such a book, having so awfully apostatized from God 
in his old ao;e ; and should be a warnino; to those who 
are the most useful, never to grow proud, or think them- 
selves secure. And as God made use of him as a pen, 
in making known His will to us, we should never think the 
worse of, but attend to, the instructions given. We have 
a short, but sad, account of his abominable conduct and 
doubtful end, in the eleventh chapter of the first book of 
Kings. '' Tell it not in Gath ! '' 2 Sam. i. 20. 

ECCLESIASTES. 

Solomon, in the title of this book, writes himself 
^^ the son of David, King of Jerusalem ; " perhaps on 
account of his influence being less over the ten tribes, 
than what it was at the time he wrote his book of 
Proverbs ; for there he writes himself *^ the King of 
Israel : " Prov. i. 1. This book appears to have been 
written in his old age ; after he had in vain tried to find 
satisfaction in the wealth, honor, and pleasures of the 
world, and the gratification of every sense. By some, 
tliis book is called ['penitential ; '^ but to me, it look* 



Solomon's song. 329 

like a penitential ; that is, a book directing the degrees 
of penance, rather than one expressing penitence. 

No one ever possessed the advantages that Solomon did, 
for proving that no created good can satisfy an immortal 
soul ; and that real happiness is to be found in God 
alone ; and the conclusions here given us, he has drawn 
from his own experience. In the first chapter he shows, 
that all human courses are vain. 2. That one event 
happeneth to the wise and the foolish, yet one is better 
than the other. 3. There is a time to every purpose, 
4. How vanity is increased. 5. Vanity in murmuring, 
oppression, and riches. 6. Vanity of riches without 
use. 7. The remedies against vanit}^ are a good name — 
mortification — patience — and wisdom. 8. It is well 
with the godly. 9. Like things happen to all — God's 
providence over all — wisdom is better than strength. 
107 Observations on wisdom and folly. 11. The day 
of judgment to be thought of in youth. 12. God 
should be sought early ; as an early consideration of 
divine things is the only infallible remedy against vanity. 

Attend to the preacher's godly directions ; but imitate 
none of his ungodly actions ; for, though Solomon was 
the writer, God was the Dictator. 

Solomon's song. 

This book is an allegory, written by Solomon, and is 
commonly understood to represent the mutual love of 
Christ and his Church, under the endearing and well- 
known figure of a bridegroom and bride. Many strange 
opinions have been given of it ; and to such as read it 
with a carnal, and especially a wanton mind, it is the 
savor of death unto death. Some have supposed, that 
he wrote it while very young ; — .long before his book 
of Proverbs. It is called a son^- of songs ; — and we 
are constrained to acknowledge, that Solomon^s songs 
are very unhke those of his father David. The name 
of God is not once mentioned throughout the whole of 
this book ; nor was it introduced as the other books of 
scripture were, by vision ; nor any other mark of imme- 
diate revelation ; neither does it contain any expression 
of natural religion ; — nor is there any part of it ever 
quoted by any of the New-Testament writers. The 



330 ISAIAH. 

advice given by the Jewish doctors to their young people, 
was, not to read it till they were thirty years of age ; 
lest, by reading it with corrupt minds, they should suck 
out poison instead of food and medicine. But, admit- 
ting it to be scripture, we are assured of its being given 
by inspiration, and that for our profit: 2 Tim. iii. 16. 
It might very easily be taken in a spiritual sense by 
those for whom it was first composed ; viz. the Jews ; 
but more especially by the Christian church, who have 
much clearer displays of divine love under the gospel, 
than what they had under the law. 

God sometimes spake of himself to the Jewish church 
as a Husband: Isa. Ixiv. 5. Hos. ii. 16, 19: and 
rejoiced in the same as his bride : Isa. Ixii. 4, 5. But 
more frequently is Christ spoken of as a Bridegroom : 
Matt. XXV. 1 : Rom. vii. 4 : 2 Cor. xi. 2 : Eph. v. 32 ; 
and the church as the bride, the Lamb's wife : Rev. 
xix. 7 : xxi. 2, 9. It is impossible for any uncon- 
verted person rightly to understand this book ; but those 
who can truly say of Christ, '^ this is my beloved,^' and 
consider him to be " the fairest among ten thousands and 
altogether lovely,^^ may read it to advantage. 

ISAIAH, 

This and the fifteen following books are prophetical ; 
they abound with figures borrowed from nature. The 
sun, moon, and stars, are frequently made use of to re- 
present kings, queens, and others in authority ; mountains 
and hills, to set forth kingdoms and cities ; marriages, 
to show God's covenant love ; and adultery, departure 
from God. 

A prophet is one who has an intimacy with, and an 
interest in heaven ; and, consequently, a commanding 
authority upon earth. Prophecy is put for the whole of 
revelation : 2 Pet. i. 20, 21. It will greatly assist you 
in studying the writings of any prophet, to read those 
chapters in the historical books which give an account of 
the times in which that prophet lived. You will find the 
history of the times in which Isaiah lived, in 2 Kings, 
chap. xiv. to XX., and 2Chron. xxvi. to xxiii. He began 
his predictions in the reign of Uzziah and prophecied to 
Hezekiah ; for about 60 years. He has very fitly been 



JEREMIAH LAMENTATIONS. 331 

called the Evangelical Prophet ; on account of his so 
fully describing the Saviour. He prophecied of the 
Redeemer between 7 and 800 years before be came into 
the world ; notwithstanding^ his predictions give as min- 
ute a description of him, as though he had been an eye- 
witness to the whole. His chief scope appears to have 
been the foretelling of the incarnation, sufferings, and 
glory, of the Messiah ; — the erection of his church 
among the Gentiles : — the rejection of the Jews, and 
their final restoration. 

In chapters 7 and 14, he speaks of the Saviour's 
birth. 53. Of his sufferings and death. 52 and 54. 
Of his kingdom and glory. He w^as a very faithful 
prophet ; though, it appears, not a very successful one. 
Isa. xlix. 1 — 5. He labored hard for about 60 years ; 
and is supposed to have been sawn assunder, about the 
beginning of Mannassesh's wicked reign. Heb. xi. 37. 
His name signifies scuvation of the Lord. 

JEREMIAH. 

The name of this prophet signifies exaltation or gY^u- 
deur of the Lord. He began his work in the thirteenth 
year of Josiah ; and continued it about forty years. 
We have the history of the times in which he lived re- 
corded, in 2 Kings xxili. to xxv., and 2 Chron. xxxiv. to 
XXX vi. 

The first part of this prophecy chiefly consists of a 
mixture of severe censures against the sins of the Jews ; 
and awful threatnings of heavy judgments ; with some 
calls to repentance ; and complaints of his own heavy 
afflictions. He began when young, and continued long 
a prophet ; some say 5Q years ; and others 40. That 
he was called to suffer much v/e cannot doubt ; hence, 
he is called the ^' Weeping prophetJ^ But where, or 
how, he died, is not certain ; thougli some have supposed, 
that he was stoned to death. The last chapter of this 
book does not appear to have been written by Jeremiah, 
but by some other person divinely inspired among those 
who were in captivity. 

LAMENTATIONS. 

This book v/as written by the prophet Jeremiah, 



332 E2EK1EL. 

who composed his lamentations on the destruction of 
Jerusalem. They consist of five chapters. In chapters 
1 and 2y he laments the miseries of the siege. 3. His 
own particular afflictions. 4. He bewails the destruc*- 
tion of the city and temple — the miseries of all ranks — 
and denounces certain ruin upon the Edomites, for their 
cruelty. 5. He further laments the direful effects of 
the famine to which they were reduced by the siege — - 
and prays for their deliverance. 

The whole of the book is very pathetic ; and seems 
as though every word had been wrung from a broken 
heart and written with a tear. In 2 Chron. xxxV. 25, 
we are told that Jeremiah wrote some lamentations on 
the death of Josiah : but it appears they have been lost ; 
for it is evident these were v>Titten on the destruction of 
Judah and Jerusalem by the Chaldeans' army. The 
Evangelist, Matthew, xxvii. 9, ascribes to Jeremiah a 
prophecy found in Zecheriah xi. 12, 13. Jeremiah 
might have uttered that prediction, — Matthew^ does not 
say he ivrote it ; and Zecheriah might have repeated it ; 
or, as Jeremiah formerly stood in the front of the proph- 
etic writings, the Jews might have called the whole book 
by his name ; as the books of Moses were called by their 
Jii^st word. 

EZEKIEL. 

Ezekiel's name bespeaks his having strength of God ; 
and it is evident, that as God gave him his commission , 
so he gave him strength to execute it. He wrote his 
prophecies at Babylon ; and the history of the tin:ies in 
which he lived you will find in 2 Chron. xxxvi ; and 
2 Kings xxiv. and xxv. There is much in this book 
hard to be understood ; the waters run so deep that the 
tallest soon get out of their depth ; however, we may 
swim in it, though we cannot ford through it, and may 
profit by it. His visions may be obscure, but his preach* 
ing is so plain that none need mistake it. The beginning 
and latter end of this book appear to be the most myste* 
rious ; and though, like the book of nature, it cannot be 
all understood, much may be gathered to strengthen our 
faith, and encourage our hope in God, whose ways and 
thoughts are not ours. 



BANrEL HOSEA* 333 

This prophet foretells the awful calamities that were 
/langing over Jiidea -— predicts the ruin of those nations 
which had insulted the Jews in their afflictions — exhorts 
them to repentance — comforts them with promises of 
deliverance — and foretells the future glory of the church 
under the figure of a new temple. He began his pre- 
dictions in the fifth year of Jehoakim's captivity, and 
continued about 19 years. It is supposed, that he was 
put to death by the captives in Babylon, for faithfully 
reproving them ; and that he was dragged along the 
stones till his brains were dashed out. 

BANIKL* 

This prophet was of the royal family of Judah, and 
was carried captive to Babylon with others ; and it was 
under the captivity that he prophecied. God speaks of 
him as one of those who had the greatest interest in 
heaven. Ezek. xiv. 14. He lived a long and active 
life ; and was in the courts and councils of some of the 
greatest monarchs that ever reigned ; as Nebuchadnez- 
zar, Cyrus, and Darius. The six first chapters of his 
book are historical^ and are plain and easy ; but the last 
six diYQ prophetical^ and contain many things that are 
dark, and hard to be understood ; but perhaps these 
prophecies are rendered obscure from the want of a more 
complete history of the Jewish nation fix)m Daniel's time 
to the coming of Christ. He foretells the time when the 
Redeemer would make his appearance, more exactly than 
any other of the prophet?:. In chapter ix. 24, he states 
the time at '^ seventy weeks,'^ A prophetical week is seven 
years : reckoning a day for a year ; and which makes 
Daniel's 70 weeks 490 years ; and on this account the 
Messiah was generally expected at the time Christ made 
his appearance in the world. Daniel (whose name sig- 
nifies judgniemt of God) is supposed to have died at 
Susan, in Persia. 

HOSEA. 

HosEA, and the eleven following, are called " the lesser 

prophets j^ on account of their writings being less in bulk 

than the others ; although it is probable they preached 

as much as the others. Hosea was i\\e first of the writing 

29 



334 JOEL. 

prophets ; even before Isaiah ; and it appears that both 
Isaiah and Ezekiel frequently borrowed from him. Thus^ 
being taught of one Spirit, the one confirms what the 
other has spoken. Before you study the writings of this 
prophet, you would do v/ell to carefully read the chapters 
here referred to: 2 Kings xv : 2Chion. xxvi; xxvii : 
xxviii. He prophecied before the captivity for about 
80 years, in the days of Jeroboam, Uzziah, Jotham,and 
Ahaz, kings of Judah. His prophecies chiefly relate to 
the ten tribes^ who w^ere then in prosperity ; and whom 
he sharply charges with their murders, uncleanness, 
idolatries, oppression, and reliance on the Assyrians. 
And intermingles a variety of calls to a reformation of 
life ; with a promise of God's blessing on their repentance. 
He is very brief in his manner ; and to us, w ho are un- 
acquainted w^ith many of the ancient customs, appears 
obscure in his writing. The Jews reckon him to have 
prophecied nearly ninety years ; and the scope of his 
discourses is to discover sin ; and denounce the judgments 
of God against the obstinately impenitent. The name 
of HosEA signifies saviour, or salvation. 

JOEL. 

It is not easy to determine the time when Joel 
prophecied ; but, as he makes no mention of the ten tribes, 
it appears that he prophecied after their captivity ; and, 
perhaps, in the reign of Hezekiah or Manasseh. In the 
first chapter, and former part of the second, he speaks of 
a fearful famine, occasioned by great drought, and de- 
structive insects. 2. He exhorts to repentance — pre- 
scribes a fast - — promises a blessing thereon — assures 
them that their evils shall be removed on their repentance 
and humiliation — - and Zion comforted — the Holy Spirit 
is promised to be poured out in the latter days. And 
this promise was fulfilled in the days of the Apostles : 
Acts ii. Chapter 3. He denounces God's judgments 
against the enemies of his people — foretells the conver- 
sion and restoration of the Jews — the ruin of their ene- 
tnies — and future glorious state of the church. 

To understand Scripture, one part must be compared 
Vith another. See now, 2 Kings xv : and 2 Chron. xxvi. 
Joel signifies he that wills, commands, or swears. 



AMOS OBADIAH JONAH. 335 

This prophet pbrophecled in the days of Jeroboam, 
the second king of Israel. See chap, vii. ver. 10. 
Amos was a country farmer ; and his name signi&es a 
burden. He appeared a httle before Isaiah; and was 
contemporary with Hosea. He was a man faithful and 
bold in reproving sin ; and shunned not to denounce the 
judgments of God upon it. In chapters 1 and 2, he 
threatens in a most awful manner those nations that were 
enemies to Israel — and complains of their unthankful- 
iiess. 3 and 4. He calls Israel to an account for their 
oppression — - idolatry — ^ and incorrigibleness. 5. He 
calls them to repentance. 6. He warns them of the 
desolations that were coming upon them. 7. He speaks 
of some particular judgments, particularly on Amaziah. 
8. A famine of the word is threatened. 9. He declares 
the certainty of the desolation., — ^ and concludes with a 
promise of the settino; up of Messiah's kingdom — r the 
Jews' return from Babylon — the conversion of Israel 
and Judah — and their return to their own land. It is 
probable, Amos lived to see a great part of his predictions 
fulfilled. 

OBADIAH. 

The time when Ohadiah lived is not easily deter- 
mined ; but when we compare his predictions with those 
of Jeremiah, chap, xlix: Ezekiel xxv : and Psalm 
cxxxvii : it appears to be but a short time after the de^ 
struction of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans. His prophecy 
consists but of one chapter ; wherein Edom is threatened 
for their spiteful conduct in rejoicing in, and helping for- 
ward, the destruction of the Jews : and concludes with a 
promise of the Redeemer's kingdom being set up. Scrip- 
ture does not inform us who he was, when he lived, nor 
where he died. His name signifies servant of the Lord. 

JONAH. 

Who this prophet was, is not certain ; though we 
know he was the son of Amittai the prophet which was 
of Gath-hepher. See 2 Kings xiv. 25, and xv. He lived 
in th e days of Jeroboam, the son of Joash, king of Israel 
The Lorcl commanded him to go to Nineveh and pror 
plaim its ruin ; and his comission appears to be theonlj% 



336 MICAH NAHUM- 

commission foimd in his book ; ^^ Yet forty days, and 
Nineveh shall be overthrown :-^^ iii. 4. The rest of the 
book may be considered a relation of the preface to, and 
the consequences af that prediction. 

From the whole we noay leani, that God^s commands 
must be obeyed^ regardless of all: consequences — the 
danger of disobedience-— that, thoagh we may fly from 
duty, we cannot fly from God — ^^the onty method of 
escaping ruin, is to repent of OLir sins. It appears that 
in Niiieveb there were 120,000 little children^ beside 
much cattle: chap, iv. 11. Jonah's being cast into the 
sea and delivei^ed from it, is a well known type of tlie 
burial and resurrection of Christ. See Matt. xii. 39 — 41 : 
xvn. 4: Luke xi. 30^ 3*2. Jonah si^m&.es a dove ; 
thoiigli he acted very unlike one. 

MICAH^ 

This prophet prop/hecied m the days of Jotham, Ahaz^ 
and Hezekiah, a period of about 50 years. He assisted 
Isaiah ; and somewhat resembles hiia m his style. 
Compare Isa. ii. 2, 3 ; with Micah iv. I, 2. He faith- 
fully reproves sinners of all ranks ; both in church and 
state. And endeavors to comfort God^s people with 
promises of deliverance. In chapter v. 2, we have a 
very plain prediction of Christ, which is quoted by the 
chief priests and scribes : Matt. ii. 5, 6. He predicted 
the ruin of the city and ten^ple — >and reestablishment of 
the Jews. Micah signifies pooi', humble. Read 2 
Kings XV. to xx^ and 2 Chron. xxviii. to xxxiL 

nahum. 

We cannot ascertain at what time Nahum lived and 
prophecied. But he is supposed to have lived in the 
reigns of Hezekiaji and' Manasseh. See 2 Kings xviii. to 
xxi : and 2 Chron. xxix. to xxxiii. He might have said 
many things relating to Israel and Judah, notwithstand- 
ing we have nothing in his xvriting of either ^ it is 
evident, Jonah said more than was written. 2 Kings 
xiv. 25. This prophet gives a lofty, but plain, description 
of God in his goodness to his people, and wmth against 
his enemies : — describes the ruin of Nineveh and the 
Assyrian empire. His name signifies comforter, ^enitenL 



HABAKKUK ZEPHANIAH HAGGAI. 337 

Habakkuk propliecied during the reign of Manas- 
sell ; and was living in the time of Jeremiah. In chap. 

1 . He foretells the destruction of Judeah and the surroun* 
ding countries by the Chaldeans, for their iniquity. 2. 
He predicts the overthrow of the Chaldeans for their 
having overthrown, oppressed, and murdered others. 3. 
He trembles in his prayer — and in a manner the most 
sublime, celebrates God's former goodness in appearing 
for Israel — for bringing them out of Egypt, through the 
Red Sea — and through the wilderness to Canaan — 
encourages himself and others to trust in God though 
every visible mean fail. Let us, like him, rejoice in the 
God of our salvation in the worst of times. You will 
derive further assistance by reading attentively 2 Kings 
xxi: and 2 Chron. xxxiii. This prophet's name signi- 
fies he that embraces or wrestles, 

ZEPHANIAH, 

Zephaniah lived in the days of Josiah, kingof Judah | 
an account of whose reign you will find, in 2 Kings xxii : 
xxiii : and 2 Chron. xxxiv : xxxv. Chapter 1. He 
reproaches and threatens the Jews for their wickedness. 

2. He earnestly exhorts them to repentance, that the 
threatened evil might be averted — -and predicts the ruin 
of the Philistines Moabites, Ammonites, Ethiopians, and 
Assyrians. 3. He reproves Jerusalem for tbe wicked- 
ness found in her , especially among her princes - — judges, 
prophets, and priests — and exhorts them to wait for the 
restoration of Israel — - seeing God would work out a 
glorious salvation for them, after he had prepared them 
for it. His name signifies the secret of the Lord. Ps. 
XXV. 14. 

HAGGAI. 

Haogai began his prophecies about two months before 
Zechariah ; and after the Jews had returned from their 
captivity. Read Ezra v. 1: vi. 14. All the prophe- 
cies we have recorded by this prophet, were delivered in 
the short space of four months. See chapter i. 1 : and 
ii. 1, 10, 20. He, together with Zecheriah, greatly en- 
couraged their brethren to finish the building of the 
temple. He assured them that the Messiah should com0 
29=^ 



338 ZECHARIAH MALACHI TESTAMENT, 

in the flesh — that the glory of the latter house should be 
greater than that of the former. See chap. ii. 7— 9, 
The name of Haggai signifies /ea^^, solemnity, 

ZECHARIAH. 

This prophet began to prophecy while young ; and 
about two months after Haggai. His preaching was 
plain and practical ; such as was well calculated to make 
a good impression on bis hearers- In chapter 3. He 
foretells of Christ the branch. 9. Zion is exhorted to 
rejoice for the coming of Christ and his peaceable king- 
dom. 1 I . He speaks of the rejection of Christ, and the 
price for which he was sold. 13. Of the death of 
Christ. 1 4. The coming of the Redeemer and the graces 
of his kingdom. His name signifies what he was^ a man 
of the Lord. 

MALACHI. 

The Scriptures give us no account who were the 
parents o( this prophet, nor to %\ hat country he belonged. 
But it appears plain, tliat he prophecied after the second 
temple was built ; and about 397 years before the birth 
of Christ. In chapter 1, after reminding the Jews of 
the great things God bad done for them and their fathers^ 
he sharply reproves tbem for their irreligion and profane- 
ness. 2. He reproves the priests for their neglect of 
duty — and the people for their adultery and infidelity. 
3. Of the near approach — majesty — and grace of the 
Messiah — rebukes them for their sacrilege and blasphe- 
my — and declares the great regard that God has for all 
those who truly fear his name. 4. He predicts the ter- 
rible judgments that awaited those who should reject the 
Messiah — and concludes by referring to the mission of 
John the Baptit. Malachi signifies my angeL 

TESTAMENT. 

The word ^^ testament " signifies the will of a 
dying man left in writing ; by wiiich he determines how 
his property shall be disposed of after his death : GaJ. 
iii. 1 5. And the testator is the deceased person who 
left the t€stame7it, or will. Jesus Christ is called a 
Testator, on account of his having bequeathed to sin* 



GOSPEL. 339 

ful men his peace ; John xiv. 27 ; to2:ether with all the 
unsearchable riches of his ^race and glory : Ileb. ix. 
16, 17. The writings of Moses and the prophets are 
called the Old Testament ; and this testament, or will 
was published before the birth of the Redeemer. Not- 
withstanding, it was ratified by his typical death in the 
many sacrifices that were offered ; and which observ- 
ances are now entirely abolished; or done away : See 
2 Cor. iii. 15: Heb. ix. 15. 

The writings of the Evangelists and Apostles are 
called tho New Tkstament ; and may be considered 
the voluntary act and deed of Jesiis Christ, duly exe- 
cuted and witnessed, bestowing legacies on such charac- 
ters as he has described ; and, being ratified by the d(rdth 
of the Testator, can never be abolished. The New 
Testament is the same in substance with the Old ; but 
is more spiritual, clear, efficacious, and extensive. The 
wine in the Lord's Supper is called the " new testament 
in Christ's blood, " Matt. xxvi. 28, because it repre- 
sents the blood which sealed the covenant God has been 
pleased to make with his creatures ; and all the benefits 
and privileges of it are owing to the merits of that blood 
represented by the wine: Luke xxii. 20. The Old 
Testament was confirmed by the blood of bulls and of 
goats ; Exod. xxiv. 8 ; but tlie New with the blood of 
• Christ ; and without the shedding of which our sins 
could never have been removed, nor heaven have be- 
come our inheritance : Heb. ix. 22. 

The word we have rendered Testament might well 
be rendered Covenant ; for it signifies both ; and so it 
would read New Covenant. But in speaking of Christ's 
act and deed, it is most proper to render it Testament ; 
for he is the Testator, and by his death it became in 
force: Heb. ix. 16, 17. Tliere is nothing in the Old 
Testament laid aside by the New Testament but the 
ceremonial law, and peculiarities of the Jews. 

GOSPEL. 

The word " Gospel,^^ signifies good news, or, glad 
tidings ; as it exhibits the ('ovenant of grace ; and is 
an absolute declaration of the good-will of God to man, 
in freely giving Jesus Christ and salvation in him, to bo 



340 MATTHEW. 

received by the vilest, without money and without price : 
See Luke ii. 10, 11 : Mark xvi. 15. It is called the 
Gospel of God, on account of its originally coming 
from him: Rom i. 1. It is called the Gospel of the 
grace of God, because it comes from, and makes known 
to us, the favor of God ; and is the channel throuo^h 
which His grace is conveyed to us : Acts xx. 24. It is 
called the Gospel oj Christ, because He is the Author 
and subject matter of it : Rom. i. 16. It is called the 
Gospel of salvation, because it not only tells us that 
salvation may be had, but points out the way of obtain- 
ing it ; and offers it to us : Eph. i. 13. It is the same 
Gospel that the Spirit of God preached unto Abraham : 
See Gal. iii. 8 : Gen. xii. 3 : xviii. 18 : xxii. 18 : xxvi. 
4. Gospel, is also taken for a historical account of v>4]at 
Jesus Christ did and said ; of his life, doctrines, mira- 
cles, sufferings, deaths resurrection, and ascension : hence 
we say, '' the Gospel according to Matthew, — or 
Mark, — or Luke, — or John. That is, as recorded 
by them : '' See Mark i. 1. 

MATTHEW. 

This Evangelist was, by birth, a Galilean ; by profes- 
sion, di puhlican, or inferior tax-gatherer; by religion, a 
Jew^ ; and ordinarily a resident of Capernaum. He left 
bis occupation and followed Christ at his command ; and 
was one of those who constantly accompanied the Lord 
Jesus from the baptism of John unto the day that he 
w^as taken fi'om them: Acts i. 21, 22. He is supposed 
to have wTitten the Gospel, or the good news of Christ 
Jesus coming into the world to save sinners, about A. D. 
41. But in what language he wrote it the learned are 
not agreed, w^hether in Hebrew, Syriac, or Greek. He 
commences with the Redeemer's parentage — birth — 
the ancestors from whom he descended — and the man- 
ner of his coming into the world. He has exhibited the 
most evident parts of the Saviour's conduct and suffer- 
ings in a plain, grave, and dignified manner; and as he 
was one of the twelve disciples who constantly attended 
our Lord, this history is an account of what he heard 
and saw. And the other Evano-ehsts relate thincrs as 
they heard and saw them. Matthew signifies a reward. 



MARK LUKE. 341 

It is a matter of uncertainty who was the writer of 
this book ; but, be who he may, we are told his name 
was Mark. And though Marcus was quite a common 
name among the Romans, the Scriptures leave us little 
room to doubt of this writer being a Jew by birth. In 
Acts XV. 37, we read of John whose surname was 
Mark ; and with whom Paul was greatly displeased for 
a time ; but afterwards showed him great kindness, and 
ordered the churches to receive him : Col. iv. 10. He 
sent for him to assist him in the ministry; and after- 
wards spake of him as being his fellow-laborer: Phile- 
mon 24. Peter, also, speaks of one Marcus, and calls 
him his son ; on account of his having been made 
the honored instrument of his conversion : 1 Pet. v. 13. 
But whether that is the same as the one spoken of by 
Paul, and, if not, which of the two wrote this book the 
Scriptures do not inform us. 

He begins with the preaching of John the Baptist ; 
and though much of what he has written is a repetition 
of what we have in Matthew, he relates many remark- 
able circumstances omitted by that Evangelist ; such as 
you will find in the following passages : Mark i. 23 — 
26 ; vii. 31 — 35 : viii. 22 — 27. Mark signifies polite, 

LUKE. 

Luke is supposed to have been a native of Antioch, 
in Syria ; and that his name is a contraction of Lucilius^ 
or Lucius, which signifies luminous : Rom. xvi. 21. 
Whether he was converted to Christianity through 
Paul's instrumentality, or whether Paul first met with 
him at Troas, we cannot learn from the Scriptures. By 
profession, he was a physician ; and, his first mentioning 
himself as being Paul's companion. begins at Troas. He 
afterwards, frequently speaks of himself as being a fel- 
low-traveller with him. Compare the following passa- 
ges : Acts xvi: Col. iv. 14: Philemon 23 : 2 Tim. iv. 
11. Luke wrote the history of the life of Christ ; and 
is the supposed writer of the Acts of the Apostles. He 
has given in this book a circumstantial account of the 
birth of Christ — his preaching, &c, — the baptism of 
John — -and is the only one who mentions the commission 
given by Christ to the 70 disciples : Chap. x. 1 — 20* 



342 JOHN. 

John, the Evangelist, was the son of Zebedee, a fish- 
erman, and his mother's name was Salome ; he was the 
brother of James, one of the twelve apostles. He wit- 
nessed the Saviour's retirements ; and particularly his 
transfiguration, and agony in the garden : See Matt. xvii. 
2 : Mark ix. 2 : Luke ix. 28 : and Matt. xxvi. 37 : Mark 
xiv. 33. He saw the Lord of life hang, bleed, and die, 
on the cross : chapter xix. 34, 35. He was one of the 
first who visited the sepulchre after our Lord's resurrec- 
tion : XX. 2L He was distinguished by that honorable 
appellation, "^ that disciple whom Jesus loved^ He, at 
the Savioi^r's dying request, took home the Virgin-Mary, 
and provided for her : xix. 25 — 27. For a time he 
accompanied Peter, preaching, working miracles, and 
enduring persecution from the Jews at Jerusulem, and at 
Samaria : See Acts iii : iv: v. In his old age, he wrote 
three epistles, one to the Jewish Christians, in general, 
one to a noted lady, and another to one Gains. In the 
Isle of Patmos, he had various visions, and revelations, 
from the mouth of Jesus — ihence, he wrote seven epistles 
to the seven Churches of Asia. He is said to have lived 
the longest of all the Apostles, and to be the only one 
who died a natural death. 

Learned men are not agreed concerning the language 
in which the Gospel according to John was first written. 
In his history of our Redeemer's life, he relates many 
things omitted by the other Evangelists ; chiefly a number 
of most excellent discourses ; and gives the most unde- 
niable proofs of the Divinity of our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ. 

In chapter I. The divinity, humanity, and ofSce of 
Christ. 2. His turning water into wine. 3. His purg- 
ing the temple of buyers and sellers. 4. His talk with 
the woman of Samaria. 5. Christ cures a man that had 
been thirty-eight years afflicted. 6. Feeds five thou- 
sand. 7. He reproves his kinsmen. 8. Delivers the 
woman taken in adultery. 9. Cures a man that was 
born blind. IL He raises Lazarus from ihe dead. 13. 
Washes his disciples feet. 18. He is betrayed by Judus. 
19. He is scourged and crucified. 20. He rises again. 
21. He appears to his disciples. John signifies the grace 
of the Lord, 



EXAMPLE OF CHRIST ACTS. 343 

After having attentively read the history of our ador- 
able Redeemer, as given by the four Evangelists, you 
will derive great benefit by referrino- to the following 
passages and endeavoring to imitate Christ in his early 
piety : Luke ii. 46, 47. His willing subjection to his 
earthly parents: Luke ii. 5L His great humility, meek- 
ness of temper, and lowliness of mind : Matt. xi. 28. 
His contentment in the poorest condition : Matt. vii. 20. 
His tender coa^passion towards the distressed and afflict- 
ed : Matt. XX. 34. His unwearied endeavors to do good 
to all : Acts x. 38. His frequent private prayer : Matt, 
xiv. 23 : Mark i. 35 : Luke ix. 1 8. His great faith in 
prayer: John xi. 42. His thanksgiving: Matt.xi. 25 : 
John xi. 41. His heart-felt grief for the sins and suf- 
ferings of others : Mark iii. 5. His pious zeal for the 
public worship of God: Luke iv. 16 : John ii. 13 — 17, 
His condescension even to the meanest : Matt. xi. 19: 
Luke V. 29. His profitable conversation when in com- 
pany : Luke xiv. 7 — 24 : xxiv. 13- — 35. His overcoming 
temptation: Matt. iv. 1 — 11. His subjection to the 
government under which lie lived : Matt. xvii. 27 : xxii. 
21. His cheerful submission to the will of his Heavenly 
Father : Matt. xxvi. 39 : Luke xxii. 42. His constant 
love and practice of holiness : John iv.x34. His readi- 
ness to forgive all who injured him : Luke ix. 54 — 56 : 
xxiii. 34. His bearing with the weaknesses and infirm- 
ities of his brethren after the flesh: Matt. xxvi. 40 — 45. 
Examples more clearly point out, and more powerfully 
incline to a holy practice, than any precept possibly can 
do ; they not only show the possibility of performance, 
but, by a secret force urge to imitation, reproach our de- 
fects, and animate to like zeal. Christ alone is a per- 
fect model, 

acts of the apostles. 

This book is an inspired history of the doings and 
sufferings of the Apostles after the Ascension of their 
Divine Master : but principally relates to those of Peter, 
John, Paul, and Barnabas. It contains a history of 
the Church for about thirty years after the death of 
Christ ; nor have we any other, that deserves our belief, 
for about 250 years afterward. Luke the Evangelist is 



344 Kl^lSTLESk 

allowed to be the writer of it ; he wrote it as a contitiu- 
ation of the history of the Saviour. 

Chapters 1 to 5. Show us how completely the pro- 
mise made by the Redeemer of the Holy Spirit, was 
fulfilled — the miraculous preaching of the Apostles- — 
the success that attended it — and the persecutions they 
met with on account thereof. 6 and 7. The mock-trial 
and cruel murder of Stephen, 8. The great persecution 
and dispersing of the preachers of the Gospel into Sama- 
ria — the baptism and base conduct of Simon the sorce- 
rer—and the conversion and baptism of the Ethiopian 
eunuch. 9. The conversion of Saul on his way to Da- 
mascus. 10. The baptism of Cornelius and his friends. 

11. The disciples of Christ are first called Christians. 

12. The murder of James — the imprisonment of Peter 

— and Herod's awful death. The remainder of the book 
is chiefly taken up in relating Paul's travels, labors, 
and sufferings. An acquaintance with this book will 
cast much light upon, and greatly assist you in, the 
reading of the following Epistles. 

From this book we learn that the Christian Church 
has grown through great opposition, idolatry, and perse- 
cution ; notwithstanding the number and power of her 
enemies ; * — and that it is composed of a people posses- 
sing, not only the form, but also, the power of godliness ; 

— such as have obtained anew heart, a right spirit, and 
have been united to Christ their living Head ; and enjoy 
spiritual communion with him. See John xiv : xv : xvi : 
Acts i. to v. 

EPISTLES. 

An Epistle is a letter by which one person commu- 
nicates his mind to another at a distance. The whole 
of the Bible is God's Epistle to us ; for in it he has 
communicated his mind concerning us. There are twenty^ 
one of the books of the New Testament called Epistles ; 
the first fourteen of which were written by Paul ; the 
other seven were written, one by james, two by Peter, 
three by John, and one by Jude. When these epistles, 
or letters, were first written, they were not divided into 
chapters and verses as we now have them ; and there- 
fore, to get at the meaning of the writer of any epistle, 



ROMANS — 1 CORINTHIANS. 345 

yon will have to read it over attentively from beginning 
to end ; just as you would a letter of great importance 
you had received from a friend, . 

ROMANSw 

This epistle was written by Paul from Corinth, to the 
Christian church at Rome ; whom the Apostle had not 
seen : and appears to have been written about A. D. 36. 
The eleven first chapters are doctrinal, and the last five 
practical. And in order to understand the truths con- 
tained in the former part, we have only to attend to the 
duties of the latter part. He shows us in chapter 1. 
That the foundation of our salvation is laid, not by works 
of nature, but in justification by faith in the Lord Jesus 
Christ. 2, 3. That the works of the law can save none. 
4. That the only way to escape the curse of the law, is, 
by believing in Christ who was made a curse for us, 
(GaL iii. 13.) 5. How we obtain peace with God. 6, 
7. How we are sanctified to him. 8. How we are glo- 
rified by him. 9. He speaks of persons saved. 10, 11. 
Shows that those who are saved by Christ are believing 
Jews and Gentiles. And then follows the practical ipMi 
of his epistle, or letter ; in which we have, chap. 12. Some 
useful and wholesome exhortations, impressed upon us 
with motives the most powerful. 13. Directions for 
conducting ourselv^es as members of civil society. And 
in the three last chapters, how we should behave our 
selves as members of the church of Christ, the one toward 
another. There is no part of the Bible which we ought 
to read, learn, inwardly digest, and become more thor- 
oughly acquainted with, than this epistle. It clearly 
shows us, that we can neither be saved in whole nor in 
part by our own works ; and that salvation is in Christ 
Jesus alone — and by believing in Him we are saved 
from that condemnation consequent on unbelief. Not- 
withstanding, it plainly sets forth those who believe in 
Christ, as being a peculiar people zealous of good works. 

1 CORINTHIANS. 

CoRTNTH was a principal and wealthy city of that 
particular division of Greece called Achai, Paul preached 
there with very great success, for about one year and a 
30 



346 2 CORINTHIANS. 

half; and in the midst of great persecution from the Jew^, 
succeeded in forming a church there. See Acts xviii. 
And there a Christian church, either real or pretended^ 
from that time has existed. It appears, that shortly after 
his departure from them, he wrote them a friendly epistle 
which is now lost. See 1 Cor. v. 9 : 2 Cor. x. 10, 11, 
He had left them but a short time before various disorders 
and schisms got in among them ; and each party con^ 
tended for their favorite preacher. See the first chapter* 
Inspired by God, he, therefore, wrote them this long 
letter, in which he sharply rebukes them for their divis- 
ions, and vindicates his own conduct. In chapters 1 to 
4. He directly reproves their dissentions- — shows how 
unable the natural man is to understand spiritual things — 
that ministers are God's workmen — and in what account 
ministers ought to be regarded. 5. He directs them to 
put away an incestuous person from among them, and to 
purge out the old leaven. 6. Not to go to law one with 
another before heathen Magistrates. 7, 8. Warns them 
against irregularities in marriages — and of giving offence 
in eating things offered to idols. 9. How ministers ought 
to be supported. 10. How they should conduct them- 
selves at the Lord's table. 11. That women should pray 
w^ith their heads covered. 12. That all should improve 
their gifts to the edification of others. 13. The praises 
of charity, or love. 14. Women are forbidden to speak 
in the government of the church. 15. He most clearly 
proves the resurrection of the dead. 16. He exhorts 
them all not to be unmindful of their poor brethren — 
but make their collections every week for the relief of 
the poor ) and gives his love to them all. 

2 CORINTHIANS, 

In the last chapter of the former epistle (ver. 5 — 7.) 
the Apostle signified his intention of shortly visiting 
Corinth ; but being providentially prevented, he, about 
one year afterward, wrote this second epistle, or letter, 
to them. In chapter 1. After the introduction, the 
Apostle gives an account of his own troubles and God's 
goodness. 2. He shows the reason why he came not to 
them — and directs them to forgive and comfort the 
person who had been excommunicated for incest. 3. 



GALATIANS. 



347 



He proves the excellency of the New Testament above 
the Old — the duty of Gospel-Ministers — and the advan- 
tages of living under the Gospel. 4. He declares his 
own sincerity and faithfulness in preaching the gospel. 

5. His hope of immortal glory — and of future judgment. 

6. His heart is open to them — and he expects the like 
affection from them. 7. He declares what comfort he 
took in his afflictions, since he had heard so good a report 
of them by Titus. 8. He very affectionately urges ihem 
to contribute liberally to the support of the poor. 9. He 
proceeds to encourage them to liberality. 10. He arms 
them against the crafty insinuations of false teachers. 
11. H^e o-ives a laro:e account of his labors, sufFerin2:s, and 
qualifications for the ministry. 12. He promises to come 
to them — and blames them for their faults. 13. He 
threatens severity with obstinate offenders — and con- 
eludes the epistle with a general exhortation and prayer. 

GALATIANS. 

This is another of Paul's epistles. It is not directed 
to the church or churches of any particular city, as some 
others are ; but to the churches of a whole Province ; 
for so Galafia was, of Lesser Asia. This Province for- 
merly contained twenty-two famous cities ; and it seems 
that the Gospel was first preached, and Christianity first 
planted here by the apostle Paul. See Acts xvi. 6 ; 
xviii. 23. While this Apostle was among them, they 
expressed great love both for him and his preaching ; but 
he had scarcely left the country^ before s.ome false teachers 
got in among them and stirred up the people to hate both 
him and his doctrine ; and which was the occasion of 
his writing this epistle to them. In chapter 1 . He sharply 
reproves them for so soon departing from the faith. 2. 
He gives an account of an interview he had with Peter 
at Antioch. 3. He reproves them for their folly — ^and 
proves the truth of the doctrines fiom which they had 
.dei)arted. 4. Shows the happy change their conversion 
wrought m them. 5. Describes the struggles with flesh 
and sin — and the fruits of the flesh — and of the Spirit. 
6. Concludes with some plain practical duties — and 
the true character of false teachers. The whole teaches 
us to follow Christ and beware of men. 



348 EPHESIANS PHILIPPIANS^. 

While a pnsoner at Roine, the Apostfe Paul wrote 
this epistle to the church at Ephesus ,the chief city of 
Lower-Asia ; a city famous for its idolatry and magnifi- 
cent temple dedicated to the goddess Diana. Chapter 
I. After the salutation, he thanks God for the great bles- 
sings he has conferred upon them. 2. He compares 
their former state by nature with their present one by 
grace. 3. He desires them not to faint for his tribula- 
tion and prays that they may be sensible of the great 

love of Christ toward them. And having in the former 
part of his epistle, or letter, delivered some very important 
doctrinal truths, he proceeds to give some of the most 
weighty exhortations to faith and practice. 4. He ex- 
horts them to love — - unity — concord — purity — and 
hofeess. 5. He shows how Cliristians should conduct 
themselves —- exhorts them to mutual love — charity — 
and to avoid all manner of uncleanness. 6. The duty 
of children to parents — and servants to masters — de- 
scribes the complete armor of a Christian — and how it 
ought to be used. And concludes vvi'Ji his ^oulI wishes? 
vttm prayers for all the brethren. 

PHILIFPIAISCS* 

Philippi was a city of considerable note, of the wes- 
tern part of Macedonia ; and the Apostle Paul w^as 
called in an extraordinary m.anner to preach there. Read 
Acts, chapters xvi. and xx. He appears to have had a 
particular kindness for the church he had been the instru- 
ment in forming there. Although he had been called to 
suffer many hard things at Philippi, and had been scourged 
and put in the stocks^ that did not wean his love from 
either place or people. In chapter 1. He assures them 
that he always remembered them in his prayers. 2. He 
exhorts them to be diligrent — -lovino^- — and serious — > 
and to walk like Christians. 3. He cautions them against 
false teachers — who, like surly dogs, would bark to 
annoy — and bite to destroy, the faithful professors of 
Christianity. 4. He ogives them many iaithful admonit- 
ions — and exhortations — gratefully acknowledges their 
kindness — and concludes with praise to God. He wrot^ 
this epistle while a prisoner at Rom^. 



COLOSSIANS 1 THESSALONIANS. 349 

CoLossE was formerly a large city in Phrygia ; although 
it is now laid in ruins. Read Acts xvi : xviii. This 
epistle was WTitten about the same time, and in the same 
place, as the one to the Ephesians and Phihppians ; while 
Paul was a prisoner at Rome. Paul did not plant, nei- 
ther had he ever seen this church ; still he did not forget 
it, nor neglect it. In chapter 1. He thanks God for the 
good report he had heard of their faith — and prays that 
they might be fruitful — and gives them an excellent 
abridgment of the doctrines of Christianity. 2. He ex- 
horts them to beware of philosophy and vain traditions. 
3. He exhorts them as those that were risen with Christ 
to live above the world. 4. He entreats them to pray 
fervently — walk wisely — and concludes with his best 
Welshes for them all. All who profess Christianity should 
live like Christians^ 

1 THESSALONIANS. 

Thessalonica, now called Salonichi, was the chief 
city of Macedonia ; Paul, in a very remarkable manner, 
was directed there to preach the gospel. See Acts xvi. 
9, 10. When this great teacher of the Gentiles first 
planted a Christian church there, it consisted of some 
converted Jews, and many Gentiles, who embraced 
Christianity. See Acts xvii. 1 — -4. The apostle was 
greatly opposed in his good work by the unbelieving 
Jews, and the baser sort of the people ; so much so, that, 
for his own safety, he had to leave the city in the night 
with Silas, who went with him to Berea. This is sup- 
posed to be the first epistle Paul ever wrote ; although 
it is placed after his other epistles. In chapter 1. He 
tells them how thankful he felt to God on account of 
their having embraced the gospel, and forsook their idol- 
atry. 2. He appeals to them as to the faithfu^piianner 
of his preaching the gospel among them. 3. He testifies 
his great love to them by sending Timothy to them — 
by rejoicing in their well-doing — by praying for them — 
and desiring a safe coming to them. 4. He exhorts 
them to live holy and justly — co love one another — 
and gives a brief description of the resurrection. 5. He 
gives them many useful exhortations to watchfulness — r 
sobriety — - faith — love — and hope — and charge^; 
30=* 



350 2 THESSALONIANS 1 TIMOTHY, 

them to read this epistle to the brethren ; and concludes 
with the usual benediction. 

2 THESSALONIANS. 

This epistle was written shortly after the first ; and^ 
it is probable, from the same place. It appears that some 
of the Apostle's expressions in the former epistle had been 
misunderstood by some of them ; and they were led to 
believe that the coming of Christ, the end of the world, 
and the judgment-day, were so near, that to pay any 
regard to their temporal affairs was inconsistent with the 
anticipation of that great event. To correct so great an 
error, the apostle, no doubt, immediately wrote this second 
epistle, or letter. In chapter 1, he gives thanks to God 
for their faith, lov^e, and union, and speaks of the coming 
of Christ, the punishment of the ungodly, the glorifica- 
tion of the saints, and prays that God may count them 
worthy of their calling^ — and that the name of Jesus might 
be glorified by them. 2. He exhorts them to stand fast 
in the faith, and not be alarmed at any rumaors they 
mi^ht hear concernino^ tlie comino; of Christ — confutes the 

O C) CD 

error that he had cautioned them against, by shewing 
them what great events must take place before his com- 
ing. Such as, a general apostacy, and the revelation of 
antichrist. He thereupon repeats his former exhortation, 
and prays for them. 3. He begs them to pray for him, 
testifies what confidence he has in them, makes requests 
to God in their behalf, shows them how to treat those 
who walk disorderly, prays that they may have increas-- 
ing peace, and concludes with the usual benediction. 
" The grace of our Lord,'^ ^c. 

1 timothy. 

PAUifc epistles have hitherto been directed to churches ; 
now we have the four following to particular individuals : 
two to Timothy, one to Titus, and one to Philemon ; 
all three ministers of the gospel. 

Timothy was an Evangelist, an order which appears 
to be inferior to the apostles : Eph. iv. 11. Though, it 
is evident, their commission and work w^ere much the 
same with that of the apostles : preaching, baptizing, 
planting, and watering the Christian churches. It ap- 



2 TIMOTHY. 351 

pears that Timothy's mother was a Jewess and his father 
a Gentile ; and which will account for his not having 
been circumcised when Paul met w^ith him ; and it is 
probable, that at this time his father was dead, and he 
was living with his mother and grand-mother. Compare 
Acts XV. 1 — 3 with 2 Tim. i. 5. He seems to have 
been brought up in the fear of God, and, by means of 
the holy Scriptures, had been carefully instructed in the 
Jewish religion. Compare 2 Tim. i. 5 with 2 Tim. iii. 15, 
From the time Timothy submitted to circumcision he 
accompanied Paul in his travels, assisted him in preach- 
ing the gospel, and establishing the churches ; and was 
left by him to take charge of the church at Ephesus ; 
but how long he continued there is not certain. 

In chapter 1, Paul informs Timothy why he had left 
him at Ephesus — what the false apostles taught instead 
of the gospel — exhorts him to hold fast faith and a good 
conscience — and speaks of some who had made ship- 
wreck of faith. 2. He exhorts that prayers be made 
for all men — shows the reasons why — and how men 
should pray — and women adorn themselves. 3. He 
speaks of the qualifications of bishops — of deacons — of 
their work — and how they should be proved. He fore- 
tells apostacy from the true faith — instructs Timothy 
what to teach and what to avoid. 5. He lays down 
rules for reproving — directions concerning widows — 
and elders — and a precept for Timothy's health. 6. 
He speaks of the gain of godliness — the evil of loving 
money — exhorts Timothy to be faithful — - and describes 
the majesty of God. 

2 TIMOTHY. 

In this epistle, which was written by Paul while a 
prisoner at Rome, and under the constant expectation of 
being put to death, we have in chapter 1. An account 
of the piety of Timothy's grandmother, and mother — of 
the religious education they had given their son — an 
exhortation to Timothy — and the kindness shewn to 
Paul while in prison, by Onesiphorus. 2. Timothy is 
exhorted to constancy and perseverance — to preach 
faithfully the word of truth — and to carefully avoid the 
doctrine of Hymeneus and Philetus who declare that the 



352 TITUS PHILEMON. 

resurrection is past. 3. He predicts dangerous times in 
the latter days — and commends the holy Scriptures. 
4. In a most solemn manner, he charges Timothy to be 
faithful and diligent — certifies him of the nearness of his 
ow n death — his strong confidence of being forever hap- 
py — and concludes. Timothy signifies, honor of God, 

TITUS. 

Distinguished as Titus was, it is certainly very 
remarkable that his name should not be once found in 
all the Act3 of the Apostles. But that he was a Greek 
and brought up in Heathenism, we learn from Gal ii. 3 ; 
or he would have been circumcised. He was col verted 
to Christianity by the ministry of Paul, (chap. i. 4) 
who tenderly loved him ; 2 Cor. ii. 12 ; and frequently 
mentions him in the most endearino; lan2;uao;e: See 2 
Cor. vii. 6, 7, 13, 15, and viii, 16, 23. 

In chapter 1. He informs Titus why he left him in 
Crete — (and though no memtion is any where made of 
Paul's ever being a: Crete it is plain he was there) of 
the qualifications requisite for those who bear rule in the 
church of Christ — the character ol the Cretians — of 
pure and impure professors. 2. Directions are given to 
the ao-ed — - the youno; — ■. to Titus — to servants — and 
what the gospel teaches. 3. He shows the necessity 
of obedience — the wretched condition of men without 
Christ — -the o-reat chano-e which the o^race of God 
makes in all ^^ ho possess it — the indispensible duty of 
believers to live holy lives — how to deal with heretics — 
requests Titus to meet him at Nicopolis — and gives 
some concluding directions and salutations. Titus sig- 
nifies, honorable, 

PHILEMON. 

Philemon, who was a resident, if not a native of 
Colosse^ appears to have become a convert to Christi- 
anity by Paul's ministry. The design of this epistle, 
was, to reconcile Philemon to his slave Onesimus ; who, 
having run from him, had fled to Rome, where he 
became converted to Christianity by means of Paul's 
preaching. In verses 1 to 3. He salutes Philemon 
and the church who met in his house. 4 to 7. He 



HEBREWS, 353 

extols his love — faith — and Christian charity. 8 to 
14. He pleads forgiveness for Onesimus his offending 
servant in a very affecting and earnest manner. 15 to 
17. Engages himself to repair any wrong that his ser- 
vant might have done him. 20, 21. He expresses the 
strongest confidence that his Master will forgive him. 
22. He directs Philemon to prepare a lodging for him, 
as he expected shortly to be with him. 23 to 25. 
With salutations and benedictions concludes. What a 
pattern doth this epistle exhibit to both masters and 
servants. Philemon signifies, that Jcisses ; — and One- 
simus, profitable. 

HEBREWS. 

It is not certain, neither are we concerned to know, 
Vho was the writer of this epistle, though it is generally 
assigned to the apostle Paul. Whoever the writer may 
be, it is very clear the scope and design of it was to 
inform the minds, and confirm the judgments of the 
Hebrews, in the excellency of the Gospel above the 
law, to which they were so strongly attached ; and i6 
persuade them to strictly adhere to, and persevere in, 
the Christian faith. It contains all the doctrines of the 
Gospel ; its beauties are many, its excellencies great, 
and its matter instructive. 

In chapter 1. He speaks of the different discoveries 
that God had made to the fathers by the prophets — the 
coming of Christ — and his being preferred above the 
angels. 2. He describes the nature of Christ — and 
the end for which he assumed that mature. 3. He 
shows that Jesus Christ is more worthy than Moses — 
and cautions them against unbelief. 4. He shows that 
the rest of Christians can be attained only by faith — . 
that Jesus Christ is our high-priest — through whom we 
have access to God. 5. The nature of the high-priest- 
hood — his qualifications — order — and preeminence, 
6. He exhorts to diligence — and patience. 7. He 
speaks of the greatness of Melchisedec, after whose 
order Christ is a High-Priest forever. 8. He shows 
how superior the new Covenant is to that of the old — * 
and that by the forrher the latter is abolished. 9. The 
inferiority of the sacrifices of the law to the dignity and 



354 JAMES. 

perfection of the sacrifice of Christ. 10. He shows 
the weakness of the law-sacrifices — sacrifice of Christ's 
body once offered hath forever taken away sin. 11. 
He gives divers admonitions — to charity — to honest 
life — to avoid covetousness — to submit to, and regard 
God's preachers — ^ to guard against strange doctrines — 
to confess Christ — give ahiis — prays for them — and 
concludes. This certainly looks like Paul's writing. 
Paul signifies, a wor'ker ; and Saul, his former name, 
a destroyer, 

JAMES. 

This apostle is called James the less, Mark xv. 40, 
to distinguish him from the other James who was killed : 
Acts xii. '2. He is called the Lord's brother; Gal. i. 
19 ; but why, the learned are not agreed. It is certain 
that he was an apostle, and that he was the son of Al- 
pheus : ]\Iatt. x. 3. Abraham was uncle to Lot ; and 
he calls him his brother: Gen. xii. 5 : xiii. 8. He was 
surnamed the Just, on account of the admirable holi- 
tiess cf his life ; but whether he, or some one else, wrote 
this epistle, we are but little concerned to know, since 
there can be no doubt of its being divinely ins|3ired, and 
written for our instruction. It is called General, or 
Catholic, on account of its being written to no particu- 
lar nation, city, or church ; but to Christians every 
where. It begins without any apostolical salutation ; 
the name of our blessed Lord is mentioned but twice 
in it ; and it ends \^ ithout any apostolical benediction. 

In chapter 1. The apostle addresses the twelve tribes 
which were scattered abroad — shows that they should 
rejoice under, and receive comfort from the cross — - 
exhorts them to ask wisdom of God without a doubting 
mind — and that, to hear the word of God without doing 
of it, will be of no avail. 2. He shows that partiality 
is inconsistent with Christianity — that God has chosen 
the poor — that we should be loving and merciful — and 
never boast of faith without good works. 3. He cau- 
tions all against a haughty conduct — and an unbridled 
tongue — and contrasts the nature and effects of earthly 
and heavenly wisdom. 4. He shows the origin of wars 
gnd contentions -. — that the friendship of the world is 



1 PETER 2 PETER. 355 

enmity with God — that God resists the proud — that 
mea should submit and pray to him — humble them* 
selves —* and not speak evil one of another — the sin of 
knowing the will of God and not doing it. 5. That 
wicked rich men are in danger of the judgements of 
God — ' the followers of God should be patient under 
oppression and afflictions, and take encouragement from 
the example of the prophets and Job — strongly forbids 
SWEARING — encourages all to pray for each other — and 
to restore a straying brother. James signifies, the heel, 

1 PETER. 

This apostle was a native of Bethsaida, was the son 
of Jonas, and brother of Andrew, the apostle. His 
original name was Simon, but the Saviour called him 
Cephas^ or, as it is interpreted, Peter: both words sig- 
nifying a stone, or rock. There is no Scriptural evidence 
of his ever being at Rome ; neither is there any to the 
contrary. He wrote to all Christians, whether converted 
Jews or Gentiles, who lived in those countries named ; 
and on which account his epistles are called General^ 
Catholic, or Universal. 

In chapter 1, He thanks God for the grace by which 
they had been preserved faithful in their trials — and 
exhorts them to holiness and brotherly love as the 
children of God. 2. He dissuades them from the breach 
of charity — declares the character of believers, as the 
children of God — beseeches all such to glorify God — 
to practice the various duties of life — and be patient 
under persecution, after the example of Christ. 3. He 
teaches the duties of wives and husbands to each other — 
how to see good days and many of them — and always 
to give a reason of the hope that is in us. 4. He ex- 
liorts to conformity to Christ — to be sober — charitable 
— and watchful. 5. He exhorts the elders to teed 
their flocks — the younger to be obedient — and all to 
be sober — watchful — and diligent in the taith. Salu- 
tations are given from the church ; and the benediction. 

2 PETER. 

This second epistle of Peter is supposed to have 
been written about a year after the former one : it is 



356 1 JOHN 2 JOHN. 

directed to the same persons, and, it is supposed, from 

.Koine ; which he calls Babylon : See 1 Pet. v. 13. 

In chapter 1. He exhorts them, by faith and good 

works, to make their callins: and election sure — oives 

. . . . ® 

intimations of his speedy dissolution — and the desire 

he has that those churches might be established in the 

true faith of the gospel. 2. He foretells the coming of 

false teachers — the judgments that await those false 

teachers — and gives their character. 3. He warns 

believers against scoffers and impostors — and concludes 

by warning them against seducers — and exhorting them 

to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

1 JOHN. 

Although this epistle has not the name of John 
either prefixed or subscribed to it, it has, from the earli- 
est ages of Christianity, been attributed to him. 

In chapter I. He describes the person of Christ — 
and the end for which he bears this testimony — shows 
that those who have fellowship with God walk in the 
lio-ht — and are cleansed from unrio-hteousness. 2. He 
warns believers against all sin — and shows that a knowl* 
edge of, and union whh Christ, must be shown by our 
obedience to him — and cautions them against the love 
of the world — and seducers. 3. He expresses his 
great admiration of the love of God in the adoption of 
sinners — shows how the children of God are distin- 
guished from the children of the Devil. 4. He warns 
ao;ainst false seducino^ teachers — tells how to distino^uish 
between the true and false prophets — and exhorts to 
brotherly-love. 5. He shows that they who love God 
love his children also — the willingness of God to hear 
and answer prayer — and concludes by strongly mark- 
ing the the difference between those who are bom of 
God and the world that lieth m wickedness — and ex- 
horting us to keep from idolatry. 

2 JOHN. 

That the apostle John, who wrote the former epistle^ 
is the writer of this also, all are agreed ; but as it re- 
gards the person to whom it was sent, there exists a 
difference of opinion. Some think it was a church to 



5 JOHN JUBE. 35T 

wliom lie directed it under the title oF " The Elect 
Lady '^ : while others suppose, what is more probable, 
that he wrote it to a religioi^s Matron, for the purpose 
of comforting and establishing both her and her family 
in the doctrines of Christianity. This epistle is divided 
into thirteen verses, and from 1 to 3. Contains the 
apostles address to a Christian lady and her children, 
4 to 6. He rejoices to find that they are walking in 
the trut'j — and exhorts them to continue to love one 
another, 7, 8. He cautions them against deceivers — 
and exhorts them to watchfulness. 9. Shows the neces- 
sity of abiding in Christ. 10, 11. He cautions them 
against those who brought not the true doctrine. 12. 
Excuses himself from writing. 13. Her sister's chil- 
dren desire to be remembered to her* 

3 JOHN* 

This epistle was written by the same apostle as the 
two former ; and was addressed by John to " The well- 
beloved Gaiusy There are several persons mentioned 
of the name of Gaius, in the New. Testament : See Acts 
xix. 29 : XX. 24 : Rom. xv. 23 ; 1 Cor. i. 14. And 
whether the Gaius mentioned here is one of those referred 
to is not certain ; neither is it important for us to know. 

In verses 1, 2. The apostle expresses his good wishes 
for the prosperity of Gaius. 3 to 8. He commends him 
for his piety and hospitality to true preachers. 9. He 
complains of the unkindness and ambitious conduct of 
Qiotrephes. 10. Of his not receiving the brethren him- 
self and preventing those that would. 11. Exhorts 
Gaius not to follow his example, but that which is good. 
12. He gives a special testimony to the good report of 
Demetrius. 13. He excuses himself from writing a more 
lengthy letter, as he proposes shortly to visit him. 14. 
He concludes with salutations from some friend who de- 
sired to be remembered to him. A distant friend is better 
than a near foe. 

JUDE. 

Judas, or Jude, the writer of this epistle, who is also 
called Lebbeus Thaddeiis, was thc;^ son of Alpheus, and 
brother of James the Less ; and an apostle of the Lord. 
3i 



358 REVELATION. 

See Matt. x. 3 : and John xiv. 22. The design of it 
evidently was, to guard believers against the principles 
and practices of the false teachers, who, at so early an 
age of the church had arisen in the world. 

In verses 1, 2. We have the writer's address and 
benediction. 3, 4. He states the reasons which induced 
him to write this epistle — and exhorts them to a vigorous 
and holy con tendon for the faith once delivered to the 
saints. 5 to 8. He reminds them of some awful instances 
of divine vengeance on sinners. 9. Informs them of the 
dispute about the body of Moses. 10, 11. He particu- 
larly describes the false teachers. 12, 13. Represents 
them as impure, unsteady, fierce, and without shame, 
1 4 to 1 9. He gives a further description of those corrupters 
of doctrine and morals. 20, 21, Exhorts believers to 
keep in the love of God. 22, 23. Directs them how to 
pity and restore those who are in danger, 24, 25. He 
concludes with a doxology to God. Judas, or, Jude 
signifies, the jjraise of the Loud. 

REVELATION. 

Any immediate discovery of the mind of God to man 
is called a revelation. See Gal. i. 12 : 1 Cor. xiv. 6, 
26. But this, the last book of the Scriptures, is particu- 
larly so called ; on account of its chiefly consisting of a 
multitude of revelations relative to God's will and purpose 
toward the Church. And many of its predictions being 
• yet unfuU^lled necessarily causes some difficulty in under- 
standing this book. It was revealed to Jobn while hvjxig 
in banishment on the barren Isle of Patmos ; and appears 
to have been written by him at nearly the close of his 
life. It foretells events relative to the Church of Christ 
from that period to the end of time. 

In reading this book, those who are ambitious and 
greedy of knowledge, will find themselves greatly morti- 
iBed ; for there are many parts too deep for a giant to 
ford, while there are shallows that a child may wade. 
Some, who are timorous, object to the study of this book, 
on account of the presumptuous having failed in their 
interpretations of some difficult parts. But that should 
not deter us from looking diligently into those prophecies. 
Let us imitate the pious Israelites while we read this book ; 



CHARACTER OF THE FIRST CHRISTIANS. 359 

they looked carefully into the darkest prophecies of the 
Old Testament, and patiently waited for the consolation 
of Israel. If we imitate them, we shall find that those 
parts we cannot walk through we may swim in ; and 
afterwarda do as Paul did, sit down on the brink and 
admire the depth : Rom. xi. 3. In this book of revela- 
tions^ God has, in a most striking m.anner, given displays 
of Himself — heaven — - hesLvenly things — the kingdom 
of his Providence and Grace — the glory of the Redeemer 
— the character and happiness of bis people - — the wick- 
edness and destruction of his enemies — -the resurrection 
of the dead — the last judgment — who shall enter eternal 
happiness and who shall be excluded — and in a most 
awful manner threatens those who shall alter, add to, or 
take fl^om any part of this prophecy — and the apostolical 
benediction concludes the whole. 

The Old Testament closes with a curse ; and the New 
Testament ends with a blessing, '^ The grace of ow 
Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, A?nenJ^ So prays 
THE Author. 

- CHARACTER OF THE FIRST CHRISTIANS. 

My young reader. I have now gone through all 
the books of the sacred Scriptures, and have brought into 
a few pages a summary of the whole ; and which, I hope, 
will greatly assist you in forming a more intimate ac- 
quaintance with that BEST of all books. But seeing 
it is not enough that we know the Bible, but should 
LIVE the Bible, let us turn our attention to it again, and 
see how Christians used to live. It must be acknow- 
ledged that the first ages of the Church of Christ were 
the purest ; and if we are desirous to know how we 
should perform our duty, we have only to give up our 
preconceived opinions, and turn to the New Testament 
where we shall find a model for our lives. 

The first Christians were deeply impressed with a 
sense of their guilt and danger at the time of their con- 
version : Acts ii. 37 : ix. 16: xvi. 29, 30. They evin- 
ced a change of heart by a change of life: 1 Cor. vi. 
II: Eph. ii. 5, 6. They had fliith in Christ Jesus: 
Col. i. 3, 4 : 2 Thess. i. 3. They walked in the fear 
of God; Acts ix. 31. They had peace with God: 



360 CHARACTER OF THE TIRST CHRISTIAN!?^ 

Rom. V. 1. The Jove of God was shed abroad in their 
hearts: Rom. v. 5. They had joy in God: Rom. v* 

11. His Spirit bore witness with their's that they were 
his children : Rom. viii. 16. They praised God, or spoke 
well of him to others : Acts ii. 47 : Eph. v. 19. Sia 
had no dominion over them : Rom. vi. 14, 15. They 
were freed {^on\ sin and served God : Rom. vi. 22. 
They received the Gospel with gladness, and were all 
baptized after receiving it : Acts ii. 41 : xviii. 8. They 
searched the Scriptures daily, to see whether what their 
ministers told them agreed with the word of God : Acts 
xvii^ 11. They frequently met to break bread; or par- 
take of the Lord^s Su^ppei' : Acts ii. 46 : xx. 7 — 11: 
1 Cor. xi. 26. They regularly attended public wor- 
ship : Acts iii. 1 L XX. 7. They attended to private de- 
votion : Acts ii. 42 : x. 9. They met for social prayer : 
Acts xii. 2: xvi. 25. They not only worshiped God in 
the day, but late at night: Acts xx. 7, They prayed^ 
not only for their friends^ but for their foes also : Acts 
vii. 60. They highly esteemed their ministei^ ; and 
prayed for them : Acts xx. 37, 38 i xii. 5. They took 
care of their ministers r Phil. ii. 25: iv. 10 — 19. And 
their ministers, in return, took good care of them : 2 
Cor. vi. 11. Their love extended to all the brethren r 
Eph. i. 15 : 1 Thess. iv. 9, 10 : Heb. xiii. 1 : 1 Pet. i. 

12, 22. Their charity abounded to all who were in 
want : Acts xi. 29, 30 : Rom. xv. 26 : 1 Cor. xvi. 
1_3 : 2 Cor. viii. 2, 3 : 2 Thess. i. 3 : Philemon 7. 
3 John 6. Great urranimity and miion prevailed amongst 
them: Acts iv. 32. They were diligent in spreading- 
the religion of Jesus : Acts viii. 35 — 40. They were 
liberal to the utmost of their ability : Acts ri. 44, 45 : iv^* 
34. They separated themselves from the wicked : 1 
Cor. V. 11: 2 Thes. iiiv6 — 14. They \yere humble 
from a sense of their own unworthiness : Rom. vii : 
Eph. iii. 8: 1 Tim. i. 13 — 16. They walked not after 
the flesh but after the Spirit: Rom. viii. 1. They 
w^ere sober in all then' dejx)itment : 1 Peter iv. 4. They 
were patient, yea, joyful, in affliction : Acts xiii. 50 — 52 : 
Rom. V. 3 : 2 Thess. i. 4 : Heb. x. 34. They cheer- 
fully endured the greatest stifFering for Christ's sake : 
Acts V, 40 : vii. 58 : viii. 1 i xii. 2 : xiii. 50 : xiv. 22 : 



THE MIRACLES OF CHRIST. 361 

xvi. 23 : 2 Thess. i. 4. They knew that whatever befell 
thera was all for their good : Rom. viii. 28. They wil- 
lingly parted with all things for Christ : Phil. iii. 7, 8. 
They ever acknowledged themselves debtors to the 
grace of God for all they possessed : 1 Cor. xv. 10. 
They chose rather to hearken unto God than unto man, 
regardless of all consequences : Acts iv. 19. They were 
willing to die in the cause of their Redeemer, rather 
than shrink from their duty : Acts xx. 23, 24 : 2 Tim. 
iv. 6 — ^S. They knew, that, let them die when, where, 
or how they might, heaven to them was secure : 2 Cor. 
v. 1: Phil. i. 21. 

For the want of room, I have only been able to give 
jou an outline of this lovely picture ; but hope you will 
be enabled to fill it up yourself. Remember, that your 
relation to the body of Christ stamps upon you a sacred 
character, and produces a great responsibility. 1 Cor. 
xi. 3 : Rom. xii. 4, 5. '' Walk worthy of the vocation 
wherewith ye are called: Eph. iv. 1. Let no corrupt 
communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which 
is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace 
unto the hearers : Eph. iv. 29. '^ Let all bitterness, and 
wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil-speaking, be put 
away from you, with all malice: " Eph. iv. 3L And 
resolve, through grace, to follow those '^ who through 
faith, and patience inherit the promises : " Heb. vi. 12. 
Those Christians are the best who resemble Christ the 
most. 

THE MIRACLES OF CHRIST. 

From the New Testament writers it appears evident, 
that but a very small number of the miracles of Christ 
are recorded. A miracle is an astonishing effect, either 
superior or contrary to the laws of nature. We must 
allow that the laws of nature are all very good ; but to 
pretend that they are so fixed that no miracle can be 
wrought, would be to bind the Almighty down to second 
causes. And not to give credit to miracles, because ihey 
are contrary to nature and tlie common observation of 
mankind, is stupid beyond degree. For if miracles were 
not contrary to common observation, or could be produced 
by natural causes, they would be no miracles at all^ 
31* 



362 THE PARABLES OF CHRIST. 

God has done much — but when Reworks a miracle He 

does a Utth more. 

The Centurion's servant healed^ Matt. viii. 5 — 13, 

The tempest stilled, Matt. viii. 23 — 27 • 

Two demoniacs of Gadara cured. Matt. viii. 28 — 34. 

A man sick of the palsy cured^ Matt. ix. 1 — 8. 

Jairus's daughter raised. Matt. ix. 18 — 26. 

Two blind men restored to sights Matt. ix. 27 — 31. 

A dumb demoniac cured, Matt, ix, 32, 33 » 
A man with a \\ithered hand cured, Matt. xii. 9 — 13. 
A blind and dumb demoniac cured, Matt. xir. 22, 23. 

Five thousand fed. Matt. xiv. 15 — 21. 

Christ v/alks on the Sea, Matt. xiv. 22 — 33. 
Cananitish woman's daughter cured. Matt. xv. 21 — 28. 

Four thousand fed. Matt. xv. 32 — 39. 
A lunatic possessed of a devil cured; Matt. xvii. 14 — 21. 

Procures tribute-money from a fish. Matt. xvii. 24 — 27. 

Two blind men restored to sight, Matt. xx. 29 — 34. 

The fig-tree blasted. Matt, xxi, 18 — 21. 

A demoniac cured, Mark i. 23 — 28. 

Peter's mother-in-law healed, Mark i. 29 — 31. 

A leper healed, Mark i. 40 — 45, 

A man both deaf and dumb cured, Mark vii. 31 — 37. 

A blind man restored to sight, Mark viii. 22 — 26. 

Great draught of fishes, Luke v. 1 — 11. 

Widow's son raised from the dead, Luke \ni. 11 — -17. 

A woman with an issue healed, Luke viii. 43^ — 48. 

A crooked woman cured, Luke xiii. 10 — 17. 

A man cured of the dropsy, Luke xiv. 1 — 6. 

Ten lepers cleansed, Luke xvii. 11 — 19. 

Malchus' ear healed, Luke xxii. 50, 51. 

Water turned into wine, John ii. 1 — 11. 

A nobleman's son cured, * John iv. 46 — 54. 

A cripple at Bethesda cured, John v. 1 — 9. 

A man born blind restored to sight, John ix. " 

Lazarus raised to life, John xi. ^* 

Surprising draught of fishes, John xxi. 1 — 14. 

THE PARABLES OF CHRIST. 

Parables ^ve figures used to represent truths. Our 
Lord, in his parables, has taken similitudes from natural 
things to represent spiritual things. It was anciently 



THE PARABLES OF CHRIST. 363 

common for philosophers to utter their sentiments in 
parables. And that the prophets made use of parables 
is very evident from the following passages. Judges ix* 
7 : 2 Sam. xii. 1 : xiv. 1 : 1 Kings xx. 39 : 2 Kings 
xiv. 9 : Isa. v. 1, &c. The mode of instruction by para- 
bles was very common in our Saviour's time ; and He 
carried it to the height of excellency and usefulness. In 
order to understand a parable. Observe, 1st. It is not 
necessary that the representation be strictly true ; nor 
that all the actions spoken of be strictly just ; because 
the design of the parable is not to inform concerning 
these, but some important truth, 2d. We must carefully 
gather the scope of the parable from what has preceded 
or immediately follows it. 3d. Several circumstances 
may be added in a parable for the sake of decorum, that 
cannot be illustrated in the explication of it ; we must, 
therefore, chiefly attend to the design of the parable itself. 
We have the folio wing: recorded. 



The Sower, 


Matt. xiii. 1—23. 


The tares among the wheat. 


Matt. xiii. 24 — 30. 


The grain of mustard seed, 


Matt, xiii. 31, 32. 


The leaven in the meal. 


Matt. xiii. 33. 


The hidden treasure, 


Matt. xiii. 44. 


The pearl of great price, 


Matt. xiii. 45, 46. 


The net cast into the sea, 


Matt. xiii. 47 — 50. 


The unmerciful servant, 


Matt, xviii. 21 — 35. 


The laborers in the vineyard, 


Matt. XX. 1 — 16. 


The two sons. 


Matt. xxi. 28 32. 


The wacked husbandmen, 


Matt. xxi. 33 — 46. 


The marriage-feast. 


]\Iatt. xxii. 1 — 10, 



The man without a wedding garment, Matt. xxii. 1 1 — 13. 
The ten virgins. Matt. xxv. 1 — 13. 

The talents. Matt. xxv. ] 4 — 30. 

The sheep and goats. Matt. xxv. 31 — 46. 

The seed growing secretly, Mark iv. 26 — 29. 

The two debtors, Luke vii. 36 — 50. 

The good Samaritan, Luke x. 25 — 37. 

The rich fool, Luke xii. 13 — 21. 

The servants who w^aited for their Lord, Luke xii. 35 — 48. 
The barren fig-tree, Luke xiii. 6 — 9. 

The lost sheep, Luke xv. 3 — 7. 

The lost piece of money, Luke xv. 8 — 10. 



364 REMARKABLE DISCOURSES OF CHRIST. 

The prodigal Son, ' Luke xv. 1 1 — 32. 

The unjust steward, Luke xvi. 1 — 12, 

The rich man and Lazarus, Luke xvi. 19 — 3L 
The importunate widow, Luke xviii. 1 — 8. 

The Pharisee and PubUcan, Luke xviii. 9 — 14. 

The pounds delivered for trading, Luke xix. 11 — 27. 

REMARKABLE DISCOURSES OF CHRIST. 

There can be no doubt but an incredible number of 
volumes must have been vrritten had all Christ's discourses 
been recorded. But Lifinite Wisdom saw that such a 
vast number of Holy Writings would have allowed us no 
thne for reading anything else ; nor even meditating upon 
what we did read, or had expounded unto us ; hence 
God has seen fit to leave us no more than what we are 
capable of improving. The following are some of the 
most remarkable discourses delivered by our blessed 
Lord and Saviour. 

Sermon upon the mount, Matt. v. vi. vii. 

Ordination charge to the apostles. Matt. x. 

Woes against Chorazin, &z;c. Matt. xi. 20 — 24. 

Discourse on the breach of the Sabbath, Matt. xii. 1 — 8. 
Refutation of the false charge, Matt. xii. 22 — 37, 

Discourse on internal parity, Matt. xv. 1 — 26. 

Against giving offence, Matt, xviii. 

Directions how to obtain heaven^ Matt. xix. 16 — 30. 
Discourse on his own sufferings, Matt, xx, 17 — 19. 

Woes against the Pharisees, &c. Matt, xxiii. 

Predictions concerning Jerusalem, Matt. xxiv. 

Discourse on the vray to Gethsemane, Matt. xxvi.31 — 36. 
Discourse with his disciples. Matt, xxviii. 16 — 20. 

In the synagogue of Nazareth, Luke iv. 16 — 32. 

Woes against the Pharisees, &:c, Luke xi. 37 — 54. 

Discourse on humility and prudence, Luke xiv. 7 — 14. 
Conversation with IS'icodemus, John iii. 1 — 21. 

With the woman of Samaria, John iv. 1 — 42. 

Discourse concerning the impotent man, John v. 

" On the bread of life, John vi. 

" At the feast of tabernacles, John vii. 

" On occasion of the adultress, John viii. 1 — 11. 

^' Concerning the sheep, John x. 

** Of couoolation; John xiv, 



PROPHECIES WITH THEIR FULFILMENT. 365 

Ppophecies are predictions of future events. The 
prophecies concerning Christ became more clear and 
minute as their accomphshment drew near. The whole 
chain of prophecy, extending from Eden's garden to 
Calvary's cross, which was first given to the Jews and is 
still retained by them, when compared with its accom- 
plishment, most strikingly proves the reality of tlie Chris- 
tian religion ; and is well calculated to fill the mind with 
the most exalted views of the Redeemer. The following 
list of predictions with their fulfilment, will, I hope, 
greatly assist the young reader in his search after Divine- 
truth, which alone can make him truly wise ; and by 
which we must all stand or fall. In addition to the above 
remarks, I would also state, that in order to understand 
the prophetic language of the Bible, there ought to be 
an acquaintance with the Scriptures in general — the 
events of Providence — the plan of salvation — and 
particularly with the symbolical language of the prophe- 
cies — especially the names given to Christ, antichrist, 
the church, nations, fee. &c. 

Predictions. Fulfilment. 

Gen. iii. 15. Gal. iv. 4 : 1 John iii. 8. 

Gen. xviii 18: xxii 18. Gal. iii. 8, 16: Matt. i. 1. 

Gen. xhx. 10. John x. 36 : xvii. 18, 21, 23. 

Exod. xii. 46. John xix. 33 — 36. 

Numb. xxiv. 17. Rev. xxii. 16. 

Deut. xviii. 15, 18. Acts vii. 37. 

Job. xix. 25, 26. iCor. xv. 22—26: 1 Thess. iv. 16,17. 
Ps. xl. 6—8. Heb. X. 5—30. 

Ps. xli. 9. Matt. xxvi. 47. 

Ps. Ixxxix. 19. Col. i. 14, 15 : Rev. xix. 16. 

Ps. cxviii. 25, 26. Matt, xxi 9. 

Ps. cxviii. 22. Matt. xxi. 42 : Eph. ii. 20 : 1 Pet. ii. 7. 
Ps. ii. 1. Acts iv. 26, 27. 

Ps. xxii : Ixix. Matt, xxvii. 35, 46, 48 : John xix. 23,24. 
Ps. xvi. 10. Acts ii. 31 : xiii. 33, 38: I Cor. xv. 54. 
Ps. Ixviii. 17, 18. Eph. iv. 8 : Col. ii. 15. 

Ps. ex. 1—4. Matt. xxii. 42, 44 : Acts ii. 33 : Heb. v. 6. 
Ps. ii, 6—8. Acts xiii. 33 : Heb. v. 4 : Rev. ii. 27. 

Ps. xcvii. 7, 8 : cii. 25—27. Heb. i. 6, 10—12. 

Isa. vi. 9. Matt. xiii. 13^ 



366 FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE. 

Isa. vii. 14. Matt. i. 20 — 23. 

Isa. ix. 1, 2. Matt iv. 14—16. 

Isa. xi 10 : ix. 6, 7 : viii. 14. Rom. ix. 33 : 1 Pet. ii. 8. 
Isa. xi. 1, 2. John iii. 3, 4: Col. ii. 3 : John i, 32. 

Isa. Ixi. 1 — 3, Luke iv. 18 — 21. 

Isa. xl. 3. Matt. iii. 1 3:1 Tim. iii. 16. 

Isa. xxxv. 3 — 6. Matt. xi. 2 — 6. 

Isa. hii. Matt, xxvi : xxvii. 

Isa. Ix. 2, 3. Matt, xxviii. 19 : Rev. xxi. 21, 24. 

Jer. xxiii. 5, 6. Luke i. 32, 33. 

Exek. xxxiii. 23,24 : xxxvii. 21 — 24. John x. 1, 16: 

i. 49: xix. 19, 21. 
Hos. xi. 1. Matt. ii. 19—21. 

Dan. vii. 13. 14. Matt. xxiv. 30 : xxvi. 64 : xxviii. 18. 
Dan.ix. 24, 26. John i. 41 : Heb. ix. 26. 

Dan. ix. 27. Matt. xxiv. 15. 

Micah V. 2. Matt. ii. 1,6: Luke ii. 4—7. 

Haggai. ii. 6, 7, 9. Luke ii. 10. 11, 27 : Heb. xii. 26, 
Zech. vi. 12, Luke i. 78, 79. 

Zech. ix. 9. Matt. xxi. 5 : John xii. 15c 

Zech. xi. 12, 13. Matt. xxvi. 15. 

Zech. xiii. 7. Matt. xxvi. 46, 47. 

Zech. xii. 10. John xix. 34 — 37 : Acts ii. 23. 

Mai. iii. 1. Matt. iii. 1—3: xi. 10. 

Joel ii. 28—32. Acts ii. 16—21. 

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE, 

The Bible abounds with figures drawn from nature; 
such as light, darkness, sun, moon, stars, earth, moun- 
tains, trees, water, fee, — fi'om the persons and actions 
of men, as Adam, JMoses, David, Ehjah, &c., — and 
from the history of the church, &.c. The Bible itself 
is the best guide to the interpretation of its own figures : — 
as the Epistle to the Hebrews to the ceremonial law. 
The discourses of our Savdour are highly figurative ; and 
in consequence of their true meaning having been mis- 
took, and a Jiferal application given to those places 
which were only intended fguratively, the most absurd 
notions have been publislied for divinely-taught doc- 
trines. A few examples will be sufficient to show 
you, that all the expressions of our Lord are not to be 
literally understood. For instance : 



FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE OP THE BIBLE. 367 

The Redeemer, when speaking to the Jews, said, " I 
am the hving bread which came down from heaven ; if 
any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever ; and 
the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give 
for the life of the world:" John vi. 51. The Jews, 
understanding his words literally, said, "^ How can this 
man give us his flesh to eat ? " not considering that he 
alluded to the sacrifice he was about to make in the 
OiTeriog of himself for the sins of the world : 1 John ii. 
2. In the institution of the Lord's Supper, he said of 
the bread, " This is my body ; " and of the wine, 
" This is my blood : " Matt. xxvi. 26 — 29. And 
upon these words some have put such a forced construc- 
tion, as to teach, that the bread and tlie wine are, by 
saying a few words over them, converted, or changed, 
into the real hunmn flesh and blood of the Saviour, just 
as it was born of the Virgin Mary ! When, it is plain, 
the Saviour intended, that the bread represented his 
body, and the wine, his blood ; and that by breaking 
and eating the one, and pouring out and drinking the 
other, he required all his followers to keep up a perpet- 
ual remembrance of his death till he came again : 1 Cor> 
xi. 23— 27. Christ calls himself the door, John x. 
7 — 10, the VINE, John xv. 1, and the shepherd, John 
x. 1 1 ; and we are very well assured, that, literally, he 
was neither the one nor the other. You will find the 
follov/ing to be the most remarkable figures of speech in 
the Bible : and by making yourself acquainted with them, 
you will find a key to unlock an invaluable treasure. 

A Meataphor is a word applied to some use to 
which, in its literal meaning, it could not be put ; but is 
founded on the similitude one object bears to another : 
such as, For the sivord to devour flesh : Deut. xxxii. 
42. To be born again : John iii. 3, 7. To hidle the 
tongue : James ii. 26. 

An Allegory is a metaphor continued ; as the 
Saviour's discourse concerning the eating of his own 
flesh : John vi. 35 — 65. 

A Parable is a similitude ; and illustrates something 
we do not know by a statement of something we are 
familiar with : and is used to impress it more deeply on 
the mind : as, the Lost sheep — the Prodigal son, &ic. : 
T^ike XV. 



368 SYMBOLICAL LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE. 

A Proverb is a short energetic sentence, containing 
great meaning in a few words ; and a wise man will 
understand them. The requisites of a proverb are ele- 
gance and brevity : Pro v. i. 1 — 6 : x. 15 : Luke iv. 23. 

A Metonymy is a figure of speech in which one word 
is put for another ; as, '' They have Moses and the 
prophets : " meaning their waitings and not their per- 
sons : Luke xvi. 29. 

A Prosopceia, or personification /is a figure by which 
things are spoken of as persons ; as, '' Mercy and truth 
are met together ; righteousness and peace have kissed 
each other : Ps. Ixxxv. 10. 

A Synecdoche is a figure by which the whole is put 
for a part of any thing, or a part for the whole ; as, 
^' AH the icorld should be taxed ; " when no more is 
meant than the Roman empire: Luke ii. 1. ''And we 
~were in all in the ship two hundred three score and 
sixteen soids ; " when persons, bodies and souls, are 
intended. 

Irony is a figurative form of speech in which the 
meaning is contrary to what is spoken ; and though there 
are not many examples of the kind in the Bible, there 
are some few : such as Elijah's address to the prophets 
of Baal ; 1 Kings xviii. 27 ; and Job's remark to his 
friends : Job xii. 2. Though a different thing is meant 
from what is spoken, irony may readily be understood. 
If a father should say to his son who had disobeyed 
him, " You are a good lad! " — the son would well 
understand his father to mean, that he was a bad lad. 

A Hyperbole is a figure by which any thing is repre- 
sented as being much greater, or smaller, than what it 
really is ; and examples of which you will find recorded 
in the follo'ving passages : Numb. xlii. 33 : Deut. i. 28 : 
John xxi. 25. 

SYMBOLICAL LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE. 

A Symbol is an abridgment, comprehending in its 
figure a representation of something else. And a knowl- 
edge of the synibolical language of the Bible is of great 
importance in order to our understanding, and profiting 
by what we read. And that you might the more readily 
find those words, the sense of which you may be desir- 



SYMBOLICAL LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE* 369 

fsas to know, you have the following index, alphabeti- 
cally arranged, with what is generally believed the 
true meaning of each word ; and also the chapter and 
verse where it is recorded. 

Abaddon, in Hebrew, is the s^ame as Apollyon in 
Greek ; and is a name given to the angel of the bottom- 
less pit: Rev. ix. il. 

Abomination; a thing very hateful; as, (I.) That 
which men abhor: Gen, xliii. 32: Prov. xxix. 21. 
(2.) Sin in general: Isa, IxvL 3: Ezek. xvi. 50, 5L 
(3.) An idol: 2 Kings xxiii. 13: Isa, xliv. 19. (4.) 
Anidolator: Isa. xli. 24, (5.) Wicked doctrines and 
practices : Rev, xvii, 4. (6.) The Roman army with 
their idolatrous ensigns, that destroyed the temple and 
Jewish polity: Matt. xxiv. 15, 

Adulteress ; A person, city, or church, who forsakes 
the true God to follow a false one: Isa, i, 21 : Rev, 
xvii. 5. 

Adultery ; Idolatry, and apostacy from God : Jer* 
ilL 8, 9 : Ezek, xxiii. 8 : Rev. ii. 22, 

Angel ; A messenger ; and is applied to (1.) Those 
•spiritual and intelligent beings employed by God to exe- 
cute his orders of providence : Ezek, X. 8 — 22: Heb. 
i. 4 — 7, 1 4 : Rev, iv, 6 : v. 1 1 : xxii. 8. (2.) Apos- 
tate, or fallen spirits : Matt. xxv. 41 : 2 Pet. ii, 4 : Jude 
6. (3.) Ministers of the gospel : Rev. i. 20 : ii. 1, 8, 12, 
18. (4.) The Lord Jesus Christ, who brought us sal- 
vation: Zech, i, 11, 12: Rev. x. 1, 

Apollyon ; in Greek is the same as Abaddon in 
Hebrew : See Abaddon. 

Arm ; (1.) The Almighty power of God : Exod. vi. 
6 : Isa. lii. 10 : Ixii. 8 : Ixiii. 12 : Jer, xxvii. 5. (2.) Jesus 
Christ is called the '' arm of the Lord : ^^ Isa. liii. 1, 
(3.) The strength and support, protection and provision, 
which God gives to his people : Isa. xxxiii. 2. (4.) The 
saving power, love, and compassion of Christ: Isa. xl. 
II : John xii. 38. (5.) God's gracious influence upon 
mankind: Isa. Ii. 9. (6.) Tbe influence of men: Ps. x. 
15: xxxxvii. 17 : Jer, xviii. 25. 

Arrows; are (1.) Apprehensions of divine displeas- 
ure: Job. vi. 4 : Ps. xxxviii. 2. (2.) The judgments of 
God: 2 Sam. xxii. 15: Lam. iii. 12: Ezek. v. 16; 
32 



370 SYMBOLICAL LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE* 

Hab. iii. 11. (3e) The, malice, slander, and abuse of 
wicked men : Ps. xi. 2 : Ixiv. 3 : Prov. xxv. 18 : xxvi. 

18: Jer. ix. 8. (4.) The means made use of by the 
wicked to injure others : Ps. Ivii. 4. 

Babes; are (1.) Weak-minded and insignificant per- 
sons, who lack understanding : Isa. iii. 4 : Malt, xi, 
25 : Rom. ii. 20. (2.) Such as are weak in faith, know 
but little, and are given to change : 1 Cor. iii. 1 : Heb, 
V. 13. (3.) Behevers who are humble, harmless and 
teachable, and feed on the pure milk of gospel truths : 

1 Pet. ii. 2. 

Babylon ; The city of Rome ; so called on account of 
the wickedness, idolatry, cruelty, and persecutions, that 
have taken place in it: Rev. xiv. 8. xvi : xvii : xviii, 

Balaam ; False teachers, who, like him, love the 
wa2:es of uBrighteousness : 2 Pet. ii. 14, 15 : Jude 11 : 
Rev. ii. 14. 

Beast; (1.) Ministers of the gospel who are bold, 
lively, and active, in executing God's commands: Rev. 
iv : V : vi. (2.) Cruel and brutish men : 1 Cor. xv. 32 : 

2 Pet ii. 12. (3.) Antichrist : Rev. xiii. 2 : xx. 4. 
Black, or Blackness ; must be understood accord- 
ing to what it is applied ; as, To gates, faces, skin, or 
clothes, it denotes great distress : Jer. viii. 21 : xiv. 2: 
Joel ii. 6. To the church, remaining corruptions — and 
reproaches: Song i. 5, 6. To the hair of the head^ 
beauty ; Song v. 1 1 ; and Soundness : Lev. xiii. 37, 
The gloomy end of false teachers : Jude 13. 

Blasphemy ; is (1.) Idolatry : Rev. xiii 1, 5, 6 : 
xvii. 3. (2.) To reproach God by ascribing to him any 
thing sinful : 2 Sam. xii. 14 : Titus ii. 5. (3.) To wil- 
fully and maliciously reject Christ in opposition to the 
strongest convictions made on the mind by the Holy 
Ghost : Matt. xii. 21 — 31. 

Blindness ; Ignorance of divine things : Isa. xxix. 
18: xiii. 18, 19: Ivi. 10: Matt, xxiii. 16: Rom. ii. 
25 : Eph. iv. 18. 

Blood ; (1.) Slaughter, or murder, with consequent 
guilt: Gen. iv. 10: Matt, xxvii. 24. (2.) The punish- 
ment due for the shedding of blood : Matt, xxvii. 25. 
(3.) That which is obtained by taking away the life of the 
innocent: Hab. ii. 12: Acts i. 19. (4.) The guilt and 



SYMBOLICAL LANGUAGE =dF THE BIBLE. 371 

pimishraent of sin : Acts xviii. 6. (5.) Fallen nature : 
Ezek. xvi. 6: John i. 13. (6.) Symbol of th-e atone- 
ment by Christ : Matt. xxvi. 28 : Heb. xiii. 20. 

Body; (1.) The sanctified church of Christ who are 
<mited to him and to each other by faith and love: 
1 Cor. X. 17: xii. 13, 27: Eph. iv. 16: Col. i. 18- 
(2.) The whole of the human family, being made one 
by Clirist: Eph. ii. 16: v. 23: 1 Cor. xi. 3. (3.) 
Carnal affi^ctlons aad siiiful inclinations : Rom. vii. 24 : 
1 Cor ix.2 7. 

Book : (1.) The counsel of God : Ps. xl. 7: cxxxix. 
16 : Heb. x. 7. (2.) The omniscience, or remembrance 
of God: Ps. Ivi. 8: Mai. iii. 16. (3.) The heavenly 
record of the people of God : Phil. iv. 3 : Rev. iii. 5: 
XX. 12, 15: xxii. 19. 

Books; The consciences of men; Dan. vii. 10 1 
Rev. XX. 12. 

Bow ; (1.) God's promise and help : Hab. iii. 9, (2.) 
Faith and patience: Gen. xlix. 24. (3.) Health and 
vigour: Job xxix. 20- (4.) Evangelical conquest : Rev. 



VL 



9 



Bowels ; (1.) The heart, or affections ; 2 Cor. vi. 12: 
Philemon 7. (2.) Ardent love and tender |)ity : PhiL 
i. 8. (3.) One dearly loved : Philem. 12. (4.) Strong 
affection and pity: Col. iii. 12. (5.) Infinite compassion 
of God : Isa. Ixiii. 15: Jer. xxxi. 20 : Phil. ii. 1. 

Branch ; (I.) Jesus Christ: Isa.xi. 1 : Jer. xxiii. 5 : 
Zech. iii. 8 : vi. 12. (2.) Real believers in Christ : John 
XV. 5. 

Bread ; .(1 .) Jesus Christ, on whom the Christian feeds 
by faith : John vi. 35, 41, 48— 51 . (2.) Sound doctrine-: 
Deut. viii. 3 : Isa. Iv. 2: Matt. iv. 4. (3.) Christian- 
fellowship: 1 Cor. x. 17. 

Bride ; The church of Christ : Rev. xxi. 9 : xxii. 17, 

Bridegroom; Christ the Husband of his Church; 
Matt. XXV. 1 — 10 : John iii. 29: Rev. xxi. 9. 

Briicrs ; (L) Mischi^evous persons: Ezek. ii. 6: 
xxviii. 24 : Micah vii. 4. (2.) Sins and corruptions: 
Hebvi.8. ^ 

Brimstone ; (1.) Terrible judgments: Deut. xxix. 
23 : Job xviii. 5 : Ps. xi. 6 : Isa. xxxiv. 9. (2.) The 
destruction of the damned ; Rev. xxi. 8. 



J72 9YMK0LICAI* trANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE, 

Bulls ; (1) Persons impatient in trouble : Isa. li. 20, 
(2.) Wicked men: Ps. xxii. 12: Ixviii. 30, 

Candle ; Imports 1» The perfect knowletjg^e of God : 
Zepb. ii. 12. (2,) God^s favor and blessing : Job xxix* 
3. (3.) Ootward prosperity : Job xviii. 6: xxi. 17 : Ps* 
xviii. 28, (4,) The rational understanding : Prov. xx.. 
27. (5.) The gifts of God bestowed on ws for the benefit 
of others: Matt. v. 15, 16, 

Candlesticks, se^en golden ones ; Tlie seven 
churches of Asia : Rev. i. 12, 20. 

Cedars; (1.) Kings; princes of Judah : Isa. ii 13* 
(2). Eminent men : Zech. xi. 2. (3.) Saints : Judges ix, 
15 : Ps. xcii. 12 : Song i. 17 : viii. 9 : Isa. xli. 19. (4.) 
Proud and great men : Isa. ii. 13 : x, 33. 34. 

Chaff ; (1 .) Evil workers aod evil works : Isa. xli. 15, 
16: Hos. xiii. 3: Matt. iii. 12, (2.) False doctrines: 
Jer. xxiii. 28. (3.) Fruitless projects: Isa. xxxiii. 11* 

Chain ; (1.) God's law : Prov. i. 9. (2.) Bondage or 
affliction : Lam. iii. 7 : 2 Tim. i. 16. (3.) Sinfel lusts 
and a condemning conscience : 2 Pet. ii. 4 : Jude 6. (4.) 
Powerful restraints of Divine Providence : Rev. xx. 1, 2. 

Clouds ; (1 .) Armies or moltitBdes : Isa, Ix. 8 : JerT iv» ^ 
13 : Heb. xii. 1. (2.) Heaven : Ps. xxxvi. 5 : Ixviii. 34. 

Crown of life, glory, and righteousness : Immortal 
happiness, and glory of heaven : James i. 12 : Rev. ii. 
10 : iii. 11:1 Pet. v. 4: 2 Tim. iv. 8. 

CuF ; (1.) The blessings of Providence and grace : Ps. 
xxiii. 5. (2.) Grateful acknowledgment: Ps. cxvi. 13. 
(3.) The wine in the cup : 1 Cor. xi. 27. (4.) Sufierings 
and afflictions : Ps. Ixxii. 10 : Ixxv. 8 : Isa. Ii. 17 : 
Matt. XX. 23: xxvi. 39. 

Darkness ; (1.) Ignorance and imbelief : John i. 5 : 
iii. 19 : Acts xxvi. 18 : Eph. vi. 12. (2.) Great dis- 
tress : Isa. viii. 22 : Joel ii. 2 : Matt, xxii* 13. (3.) A 
private place — -in parables : Matt. x. 27. (4.) Sin or 
impurity : 1 John i. 5. 

Day ; In prophetic language, is^ generally, put for a 
year ; and a week is seven years, and a month thirty ; 
which makes one year of time, 360 years : Ezek. iv. 5> 
6 : Dan. ix. 24 : vii. 25. (1.) An appointed time : Isa* 
xxxiv. 8. (2.) State of knowledge : 1 Thes. v. 5, 

Death; (1) Insensibility to the ^vil gf sin^r^^unr^newed 



SYMBOLICAL LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE, 373 

by grace: Eph. ii. I : Rev. iii. 1. (2.) Mortification of 

what is sinful : Rom. vi. 8 : 1 Pet. ii. 24. (3.) Dominion 

and pollution of sin : Luke i. 79 : Jude xii : 1 John iii. 14. 

Devil; (I.) Chief of the fallen angels : Rev. xii. 9, 

10 : 1 Pet. V, 8 : Matt. iv. 1 to 11. ^2.) Wicked men 
who do his works : John vi. 70 : viii. 44. 

Dew ; (1.) Jesus Christ, and God in him : Isa. xxvi^ 
19: Hos. xiv. 5. (2.) Divine truths : Deut. xxxii. 2. 

Dogs ; (1.) Gentiles as sunk in impurity: Matt. xv. 26^ 
27. (2.) Idle avaricious ministers of religion: Isa. Ivi. 10, 

11 : Phil. iii. 2. (3.) Persecutors : Ps. xxii. 16. (4.) 
Open enemies to religion : Matt. vii. 6. (5.) Immodest 
and unclean persons : Deut. xxiii. 18 : Rev. xx. 15, 
(6.) Satan : Ps. xxii. 20 : Matt. iv. 11: John xiv. 30. 

Door ; (I.) Jesus Christ the only way into heaven : 
John X. 7, 9 : xiv. 6. (2.) Commencement of a newgovr 
ernment : Rev. iv, 1. 

Dragon : (1.) A royal enemy : Ezek. xxix. 2, 3. (2.) 
Cruel tyrants : Ps. Ixxiv. 13. (3.) The Devil : Rev. xii. 
9. (4.) Wicked men : Isa. xxxv. 7 : xliii. 20. (5.) Aut 
tichrist: Rev. xiii. 2 (6.) Whatever is hurtful: Ps. xci. 13. 
Drink; (1.) To be satiated with slaughter:Ezek. xxxix. 
18, 19. (2.) Sinning with greediness: Job xv. 16. (3.) 
Sufferings : Matt. xx. 23, (4.) Spiritual delights : John 
iv. 14 : vii. 37 : Song viii. 2. 

Drunkenness; (1.) Delusion, error, idolatry, and sur 
perstition, madly pursued : Isa. xxviii. 13 : Rev. xvii. 2, 
(2.) To be overwhelmed with afHictions : Isa. Ixiii. 6: 
Jer. xiii. 13. (3.) To be given to luxury and wanton- 
ness : Hab. ii. 15. 1 Thess. v. 7. 

Dust; (1.) Death and the grave: Gen. iii. 19: Job 
vii. 21: Ps. xxii. 15. (2.) Multitude : Gen. iii. 16 : 
Numb, xxiii. 10. (3,) A low condition : 1 Sam. ii. 8: 
Nahum iii. 18. (4.) Dead men : Ps. xxx. 9. (5.) 
Earthly things : Amos ii. 7<. 

Eagle; (1.) The kings of Babylon and Egypt : 
Ezek. xvii. 3, 7. (2.) The Roman army, whose stand- 
ards were eagles : Deut. xxviii. 49 : Matt. xxiv. 28. (3.) 
Emblem of strength: Ps. ciii. 5: Isa. xl. 31. 

Earth ; (1.) The human family : Gen. vi. 13 : xi. 1 • 
Ps. xcvi. 1. (2.) A debased condition: Rev. vi, 13: xii. 13, 

Earthen-vessels ; human bodies : 2 Cor. iv. 7, 
33^ 



374 SYMBOLICAL LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE. 

Earthquake ; Alarming providences : Ps. xviii. 7 :- 
xlvi. 2: Isa. xxix. 6: Rev. v. 12: viii. 5: xi. 13, 19; 
xvi. 18. 

Egypt ; Antichrist, or wickedness : Rev. xi. 8. 

Elders, twenty-four ; The principal saints of the Old 
and New Testaments : Rev. iv. 4 : vii. 11, 13 : xiv. 3» 

Eyes; (1.) The infinite wisdom and know^ledge of 
God : Ps. xi. 4 : xxxii. 8 : Prov. xv. 3. (2.) God's 
w^atchful providence: Ps. xxxiv. 15: Jer. xxiv. 6. (3.) 
The penetrating know^ledge of Christ: Rev. i. 14. (4.) 
The minds and understandings of men : Gen. iii. 7 : 
Acts xxvi. 18: xxviii. 27: Rom. xi. 10: Eph. i. 18. 
(5.) A friendly counsellor : Job. xxix. 15. (6.) Human 
designs : xxviii. 54 — 56. (7.) The whole man : Rev. i. 7. 

Face; (1.) The Omniscience of the Lord : 1 Sam. 
xxvi. 20: Isa. Ixv. 3. (2.) The displeasure of God : 
Ps. xxxiv. 16. (3.) God's glory : Exod. xxxL'i. 20. (4.) 
The love and favor of God: 1 Chron. xxx. 9: Ps. 
XXX. 16: Ixxx. 7. (5.) Obstinately impenitent sinners: 
Jer. V. iii. 

Family ; The church, nnilitant and triumphant : Eph. 
iii. 15. 

Fan; (1.) The Judgments of God : Jer. xv. 7. (2.) 
The Gospel dispensation : Matt. iii. 12. 

Fat ; (1.) Great men : Ps. xxii. 29 : Isa. v. 17 : x* 
16: Ezek. xxxiv. 16, 20: Jer. v. 28. 2. Spiritual 
blessings , Ps. Ixiii. 5: xcii. 14: Prov. xi. 25: xiii. 4: 
xv. 30: xxviii. 25: Jer. xfxxl. 14. 

Fatling- (1.) Jesus Christ: Luke xv. 23. (2.) The 
blessings of the gospel : Isa. xxv. 6 : Matt. xxii. 4. (3.) 
The saints : Isa. xi. 6. 

Father; (1.) Creator and Preserver: Mai. ii. 10: 
Heb. xii. 9. (2.) Author and Bestow^er : Eph: i. 17 : 2 
Cor. i. 3 : Job. xxxviii. 28, 29. (3.) An inventor of any 
art; or instructor of others: Gen. iv. 20, 21 : Judges 
xvii. 10: 1 Sam. x. 12: 2 Chron. ii. 13: 2 Kin. ii. 
13. (4.) Founders of cities : 1 Chron. ii. 5. (5.) Old 
Testament saints : Heb. i. 1. (6.) The Devil, who is the 
author of evil : John viii. 44. 

Field ; (1.) The world in which God has placed us 
to work : Matt. xiii. 38. (2.) The Scriptures; which 
contain all that is valuable : Matt. xiii. 44. 



SYMBOLICAL LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE. 375 

Fire ; (1.) God, who will consume whatever is op- 
posed lo his nature ; and refine what is impure : Deut* 
iv. 24 : Isa. x. 17 : Heb. xii. 29. (2.) Destructive 
calamities: Isa. xlii. 25 : Ixvi. 15 Ezek. xxii. 31. (3.) 
God's word : Ps. xxxix. 3 : Jer. v. 14 : xx. 9 : xxiii. 29. 

Fish ; Men, who are numerous and frequently taken : 
Ezek. xlvii. 9,10 : Hab, 1, 14—17 : Matt. xiii. 47—50. 

Flesh ; (1.) Corruptions of our nature: Rom. viii. 8 
13. (2.) Legal righteousness or outward performances : 
Rom. iv. 1 — 4. (3.) In-dwelling grace : Ezek. xxxvi. 
26, (4.) That which is weak and helpless : Isa. xxxL 
3. (5.) Mortal man : Isa. xl. 6. (6.) Human attain- 
ments . Phil. iii. 3. 4. 

Forehead, mark in the; (1.) A public and open 
profession of religion or heresy : Rev. vii. 3 : xiii, 
16 : xiv. 1 ; xxii. 4, (2.) A jewel in the forehead — 
Great honor : Ezek. xvi. 12. 

Foundation; (1.) The purpose of God : 1 Tim. ii. 
19. (2.) Christ Jesus : Isa. xxviii. 16: Prov. x. 25: 
Eph. ii. 20: 1 Tim. vi. 19. (3.) Magistrates: Ps. 
Ixxxii. 5. (4.) The first principles of religion: Heb. vi. 1, 2. 

Fountain ; (1.) God, the source of all comfort : Ps. 
xxxvi. 9 : Jer. ii. 13. (2.) Jesus Christ, through whom 
all comfort flows : Zech. xiii. 1. (3.) Children, or pos- 
terity : Prov. V. 16. 

Fox ; A sly, artful hypocrite, w ho conceals his true 
character : Luke xiii. 32. 

Furnace ; (1.) -^ place of cruel bondage : Deut. iv. 
50 : Isa. xlviii. 10 : Jer. xi. 4. (2.) Calamity by wdiich 
God refines his people : Isa. xxxii. 9. (3.) The destruc- 
tion of evil works and evil w^orkers : Matt. xiii. 42. 

Garments ; (I.) The souls of men : Rev. iii. 4. (2.) 
Emblems of purity : Isa. Iii. 1 : Ixi. 10 : Rev. iii. 4, 5 : 
xix. 8. 

Gate ; (1.) Power or dominion : Gen. xxii. 17 • Matt, 
xvi. 18. (2.) The border of the grave : Ps. ix. 13 : Isa. 
xxxviii. 10. (3.) Security : Ps. cxlvii. 3. (4.) The or- 
dinances of divine worship ; Ps. ix. 14. (5.) Regenera- 
tion : Matt, vii. 13. 

Gog and Magog ; (1.) The great Scythian powers of 
former ages : Ezek. xxxviii, 2. (2.) Infidel nations ; 
Rev XX. 8. 



376 SYMBOLICAL LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE, 

Gold ; The graces of the Holy Spirit : Ps. xlv. 13 : 
Rev. iii. 18. 

Grapes ; The fruits of true rehgion : also hypocriti- 
cal professions - Isa. v. 2. 

Hail ; The invasion of violent enemies : Isa. xxviii. 
2; xxxii. 19; ReV. viii. 7. 

Hand ; (1.) Favor and protection: Ps. xviii. 35: IxxiiL 
23. (-2.) Power, strength : Ps, xvii. 7 : xx. 6 : xliv. 3 : 
Isa. xlviii. 13:1. 2. 

Harvest; (I.) A people ripe for the judgments of 
God: Isa. xviii. 5 : Joel iii. 13. (2.) The end of the 
world : xiii. 3, 9. 

Head: (1.) The ruling principle in man : Isa. i. G, 
(2.) Chief of a people : ]\ficah iii. 1, 9, 11. (3.) The 
metropolis of a country: Isa. vii, 8, 9. 

Heaven — heavens ; (1.) God : Dan iv,26 : Luke 
XV. 21, (2.) Angels : Job xv. 15. (3.) The church 
militant : Rev. xii. 1, 7 — 9, (4.) Governments : Isa. 
xiii. 13: Hag, ii, 6, 21. 

Hell; (1.) The grave: Ps.lv. 15: Jonah ii. 2 : 
Hab. ii. 5. (2.) Receptacle of departed spirits : Rev. 
XX. 13, 14. 

Horn ; (1.) Strength : Rev, v. 6, (2.) Divine protec- 
tion : Ps. xviii. 2 : Amos iii. 14 : Lukei. 69, (3.) Royal 
power : Ps. xcii. 10 : Jer, xlviii, 25 : Dan, vii. 20. 24 : 
Zech, i, 18, 

Horse, ichife — of victorv ; red — of bloody war; 
hlacJc — of famine and disease; j^^^^ — of pestilence, 
which is death in triumph : Rev. vi, 2 — 8 : Zech. vi. 2, 3, 

Horses; Emblems of conquest: Jer. iv. 13: Joel 
ii. 4 : Hab! i, 8. 

House ; (1.) Heaven : John xiv. 1 . (2.) The church 
of God : 1 Pet. ii. 5 : iv. 17 : Heb. iii. 6. (3.) Persons 
who dwell together : Acts x. 2 : xvi, 32, 34: xviii. 8 : 
Heb. xi. 7, (4.) The substance and sppport of a family : 
Mark xii, 40, (5.) The human body : 2 Cor. v, 1. 

Hunger; (1.) An ardent desire after Christ and his 
righteousness : Matt, v, 6 ; Luke i, 53. (2,) A desire for 
the happiness of the world : Prov. xix. 15 : John vi. 35. 

Idolatry; (1.) Covetousness : Eph. v, 5: Col, iii. 
5 : Phil, iii, 19. (2.) Loving an object more than God : 
1 John v, 21. 



SYMBOLICAL LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE, 377 

Image of gold, silver, brass, and iron. The Assyrian, 
Persian, Macedonian, and Roman monarchies : Dan, ii 
81—45, 

Infirmities ; (1.) Bodily weaknesses : Matt, viii, 17 : 
Isa, liii, 4:1 Tim. v. 23, (2.) Afflictions, reproaches^ 
persecutions, and bufFetings : 2 Cor, xii, 10. (3.) Spir- 
itual defects : Rom. vi, 19 : viii. 26. 

Jerusalem ; (1.) The church of God : Ps. cxxii. 6 : 
Isa.lxv. 18 : Ivi. 13 : Gal. iv. 24—26. (2.) The heav- 
enly state : Heb. xii. 22 : Rev. iii. 12. 

Key ; (1 .) Power and authority : Isa. xxii. 22 : Rev. 
i, 18 : iii. 7 : xx, 1. (2.) Commission to preach the 
gospel : Matt. xvi. 19. (3.) Means of Scriptural know- 
ledge : Luke xi. 52. 

Laborers ; (] .) Ministers of the Gospel : Matt. ix. 37, 
38 : 1 Cor. iii. 9. (2.) All who are heartily engaged in 
the service of Christ : Matt. xx. 1 — 16. 

Lamb ; (1.) Jesus Christ ; who was typified by the 
paschal lamb and daily sacrifice : Exod. xii, II : xxix. 
38—42 : John i. 29 : Rev. xiii. 8. (2.) Every true fol- 
lower of Jesus : John xxi. 15. 

Lamp ; (1.) A successor: 1 Kings xv. 4: Ps. cxxxii, 
17. (2.) Profession of religion : Matt. xxv. 3, 4. (3.) 
Prosperity : Prov. xiii. 9 : xx. 20. (4.) Divine light: 2 
Sam. xxii. » 29. 

Leaven; (1.) The doctrines of Christ : Matt. xiii. 23. 
(2.) Corrupt doctrines of men : Matt. xvi. 6, 12. (3.) 
Scandalous practices : 1 Cor. v. 6. 

Legs ; (1.) Strength : Ps. cxlvii. 10 : Song v. 15. (2.) 
Roman Empire governed by two Consuls : Dan. ii. 33. 

Leopard ; (1.) A subtle, violent foe : Dan. vii. 6. (2.) 
Nebuchadnezzar and his army : Jer. v. 6 : Hab. i; 8, 
(3.) Antichrist : Rev. xiii. 2. (4.) Men naturally fierce 
and cruel : Isa. xi. 6. 

Life ; (1 ,) Jesus Christ, the source of natural, spiritual, 
and eternal life : John i. 4 : xi. 25 : xiv. 6 : Col. iii. 4. 
(2.) Doctrines of the Gospel : John vi. 33, 63. (3.) The 
state of believers : John iii. 36 : v. 24 : Col. iii. 3. (4.) 
Eternal blessedness of heaven : Ps. xvi. 1 1 : Rom. v. 17. 
(5.) Spiritual strength derived from Christ : 2 Cor. iv. 10, 
(6.) The resurrection and intercession of Christ: Rom, 
V, 10. 

Light ; 1. A son or successor : 1 Kin. xi. 36 : 2 



878 SYMBOLICAL LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE. 

Cbron.xxi,7. (2.) Peace and joy : Esther viii. 16: Ps. 
xcni. I 1 . (3.) Spiritual knowledge and true holiness : Isa. 
viii. -20 : Eph. v. 8 : 1 John i. 7. (4.) Prosperity and 
happiness : Isa. Iviii. S. (5.) Support and deliverance: 
3Iicah vii, 8. 

Lion ; (I.) Christ, who is raighty and invincible : Rev. 
V. 5. (2.) The tribe of Judah and its kings, who were a 
terror to their enemies: Gen. xlix. 9. (3.) The devil, 
who is fierce, and cruel : 1 Pet. v. 8. (4.) Cruel oppres- 
sors : 2 Tim. iv, 17. (5.) Enemies and evils : Ps. xci. 3. 
(6.) Imaginary difficulties : Pro v. xxii. 13. 

Locusts : Authors or teachei-s of false and poisonous 
doctrines : Rev. ix. 3. 

Manna : ComfortSj and blessings flowing from Jesus 
Christ : Rev. ii. 17. 

Moon : (1.) The church of Christ, who derives all her 
li^ht from Christ the Sun of riirhteousness : Song vi. 10, 
(-2.) The world with all its chanuing scenes : Rev. xii. 1. 
(3.) Outward prosperity : Isa. Ix. 20. (4.) Inferior mag- 
istrates : Ezek. xxxii. 7 : Matt. ^xiv. 29 : Rev. vi. 12: 
viii. 12. 

Mountain : (^1.) The church of God : Isa. ii. 2 : xi. 9 : 
Dan, ii. 35, 45. (2.) The ordinances of Christ: Joeliii. 
18 ; Song ii. 8 : iv. 6. (3.) The people dwelling in a 
mountainous country : Ezek. vi. 2, 3. (4.) High places 
whereon idols were worshipped : Isa. Ivii. 7 : Ezek. xviii, 
6j 1 1 . (5.) Idols worshipped in high places : Jer. iii. 23. 
(6.) !Men high in station, as magistrates in the state : and 
ministers in the church : Ps. Ixxii. 3 : Isa. xliv. 23 : Iv. 12. 
(7.) Hindrances, provocations, and enemies, of the gospel 
and church : Isa. xl. 4: xlix. 11 : xli. 15. (8.) The 
heavens, which are high : Ps. cxxi. 1. (9.) Samaria, 
because built on a hill : Amos iv. I. vi. 1. 

^IisTERY ; (I.) The calling of the Gentiles, which was 
long a secret : Rom. xvi. 25 : Col i. 26. 27. (2.) The 
union between Christ and believers : 3Iark iv. 11 : Rev. 
i. 20. 

rs AKED : (I.) A graceless soul : Rev. iii. 17, 18. (2.) 
Destitute of worldly comforts : Job i. 2 1 . (3.) Deprived 
of divine favor and protection : Exod xxxii. 25 : 2 Chron. 
xxviii. 19. (4.) Discovered; known, and manifest : Job 
XX vi. 6 : Heb. iv. 13. 



SY5lB0LlCi^L LANGUAGE OF I'HE BIBLE. 3t9 

Night ; (L) A time of ignorjince aftid unbelief : Rom, 
xiii. 12. (2.) Affliction, and adversiij : Isa. xxi. 12, 
(3.) Suddenly, unexpectedly : Isa. xv. 1 : Lukexii. SO* 
4, Death ; John ix/4. 

Oaks ; Governors, and men of valor : Isa. ii. 13 : 
Zech. xi. 2, 

Olive, wild ; Gentiles ; Rom. xi, 17 : Cultivated 
olive ; Church of Christ : Rom. xi. 24 : Jer. xi. 16, 

Palm ; Symbol of joy and victory : Rev. vii. 9. 

Paradise ; Future state of happiness of believers ; 
Luke xxiii. 43 : 2 Cor. xii. 4 : Rev. ii, 7. 

Passover ; Jesus Christ, who was typified by the 
paschal-lamb : Rom, iii. 25 : 1 Cor, v, 7', 

Physician ; (L) Jesus Christ : Matt, ix, 12, (2,) Pro- 
phets and spiritual teachers : Jer, viii, 22, (3,) An em- 
balmer of dead bodies : Gen, 1, 2, (4,) Comforters : Job 
xiii, 4. 

Pillar ; (1.) The chief support of a family or state : 
Pxov. ix, 1 : Jer, i, 18; Gal, ii, 9, (2.) The church; 
1 Tim. iii. 15, 

Poison ; Wickedness in doctrine, language, or 
course ; Deut, xxxii. 33 ; Ps. Iviii. 4 ; cxl, 3 ; Rom, iii. 
13 ; James iii. 8, 

Prison ; (1^ ^ low base condition ; EccKiv. 14. (2,) 
Spiritual bondage ; Isa. xiii. 7. (3,) Powerful restraint ; 
Rev. XX, 7. (4.) The grave ; Isa, liii, 8, State of thos© 
who die impenitent ; 1 Peter iii. 18 — 20; iv. 6. 

Rain ; (1) , Whatever is refreshing and tends to make 
persons fruitful in good works : Deut. xxxii. 2 ; Ps, 
Ixviii. 9 ; Isa, v. 6 : Ezek. xxxiv, 26, (2.) Destructive 
judgments: Ezek, xiii. 11. 

River ; (1.) Great plenty : Job xxix. 6 : Ps. xxxvi. 8, 
John vii. 38. (2.) The ordinances and blessings of the 
Gospel: Ps.xlvi. 4: Ezek. xlvii. 5,9: Joel iii. 18: 
Rev. xxii. 1. (3.) Great quantity: Job xl. 23. (4.) 
Plentiful showers of rain : Ps. Ixv. 9. 

Rock ; (1.) The patriarch of a nation : Isa. Ii. 1. (2.) 
God : Deut. xxxii. 31 : Ps. xviii. 2: Isa. xvii. 10. (3.) 
Jesus Christ : Isa. xxxii. 2 : Matt. vii. 25 : xvi. 8. (4.) 
Stony-hearted sinners: Luke viii. 6. 

Rod ; (1 .) God's pastoral care of his church : Ps. xxiii. 
4. (2.) The gospel of Christ : Ps. ex. 2. (3.) The great 



880 SYMBOLICAL LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE% 

power of Christ : Ps. il. 9 : Rev. ii. 27, (4.) Afflictions . 
I Sam. vii. 14 : Job ix. 34 : Micah vi. 9. (5.) Church 
censures : Micah vii. 14 : 1 Cor. iv. 21. (6.) The princes 
of Judah: Exek. xix. 14, (T.) Power and authority : 
Ps. cxxv. 3. 

Salt ; (1.) Duration to all futurity : Numb, xviii. 19: 
2Chron. xiii. 5. (-2.) Wisdom : Col. iv. 6. (3.) Chris* 
tian principles and virtues : Matt. v. 13. 

Sea ; (1.) A multitude of enemies : Jer. li. 42. (2.) In* 
habitants of the islands of the sea : Isa. Ix. 5. (3.) Full 
and free pardon of sin : Micah vii. 19. 

Seal; sealed ; (1.) Security: Song iv. 12. (2.) Not 
to be understood : Isa. xxix. 1 1 . (3.) Authorised, or com- 
missioned : John vi. 27. (4.) Marked as belonging to 
God^ Eph. i. 13 ; Rev. vii. 2—4. 

Seed ; (L.) The whole posterity of Abraham : Rom. 
ix. 7. (2.) All the faithful, whether Jews or Gentiles: 
Rom. iv. 16. (3.) Jesus Christ: Gen. xxii. 18: GaL 
iii, 16. (4.) Sound doctrine : Luke vm. 5, 11 : 1 Pet. L 
23 : 1 John iii, 9, 

Serpent; (1.) Satan, the devil : Gen. iii. 1. 2,4, 
13, 14 : 2 Cor. xi. 3 : Rev. xiii. 9. 

Sheep ; (1 .) The followers of Christ : Zech. xiii. 7 : 
John x. 1—15 : xxi. 16, 17 : 1 Pet. ii. 25. (2.) All the 
human family : Ps. c. 3 ; Isa. liii. 6 : John x. 16. 

Shepherds ; Civil and political rulers : Jer. xv. 34. 

Shield ; (1) Protection and defence: Gen. xv. 1: 
Ps. V. 12. (2.) Princes and great men : Ps. xlvii. 9. 

Sleep ; (1.) Spiritual stupidity, and unconcern : Eph, 
V, 14, (2,) Carnal security : Rom, xiii, 11.' (3.) Death : 
Dan. xii. 2 . 1 Tliess, iv, 13, 14, 

Sober ; Humble, thoughtful, temperate, and grave. f 
Rom. xii, 3 ; Titus ii. 4, 12; 1 Pet, v, 8. 

SoD03i ; (L) Judah : Isa, i. 10 Jer. xxiii, 14, (2^) 
The antichristian state : Rev, xi, 8, 

Sores; (L) Spiritual diseases: Isa i, 6 ; liii. 4,5, 
(2.) Sins and miseries : 2 Chron, vi, 29, (3,) Heavy 
affliction : Job v, 18. (4.) Great calamity : Rev, xvi, 2. 

Sower ; A preacher of the Gospel : Matt, xiii, 3, 37 : 
Mark iv, 3, 14 : Luke viii, 5 : 2 Cor, ix, 10, 

Stars ; (1,) Angels ; Job, xxxviii. 7. (2.) Princes - — 
rulers: Numb. xxiv. 17: Dan. viii, 10: Rev, xxii, 16 



^YtoOLlCAL LANGUAGE OF t'Hll BIBLE. 381 

(S,) Faithful ministers of the gospel: Rev. i, 20. (4,) 
The apostles in their inspired doctrines : Rev. xii, 1, 

Stone ; {!,) Jesus Christ : Ps. cxviii, 22 : Isa.xxviii, 
1« : viii, 14 : 1 Pet, ii, 8 : Matt, xxi, 42, 44, (2,) A 
real believer in Jes^s ; I Pet, ii. 5, (3.) A full, and. 
ifree, remission of all sin : Rev, ii, IT, 

Sun; (1.) Jesus Christ, the quickener, enlightener^ 
and comforter of his people : Mai, iv, 2. (2.) The 
righteousness of Christ : Rev. xii, 1, (3,) Kings and 
chief magistrates : Ezek. xxxii, 7 : Matt, xxiv. 29 : 
Rev. vi, 12: viii. 12. (4,) States, civil and ecclesias- 
tical ; Joel ii, 3 1 : Acts ii, 20, 

Swine ; Unclean, ignorant, persecuting unbelievers : 
Matt, vii, 6, 

Sword ; (1.) The judgments of God : Deut, xxxii^ 
41, 42, (2.) The instruments with which God executes 
his judgments : Ps, xvii, 13< (3.) Power and authority: 
Rom. xiii, 4, 

Tabernacle; (1,) The human nature of Christ, 
typified by the Jewish tabernacle : Heb, viii, 2 : ix, 11, 
/2,) Our natural bodies : 2 Cor. v, 1 : 2 Pet, i. 13. 
(3,) The true church : Ps. xv, 1. 

Talents ; The gifts of God, bestowed on men for 
their improvement : Matt, xxv. 15, 

Tares ; The works of the devil : Matt, xiii, 25, 38, 39, 

TsEth ; (1.) Cruelty, slander, and calumny: Ps, 
Ivii. 4 : Iviii. 6 : Prov, xxx, 14, (2,) Power to do 
mischief: Ps, Iviii. €, 

Thirst; (1.) An eager desire after happiness : Isa, 
Iv. 1. (2.) Vehement desire after Christ: Rev. xxii, 
17 : Matt. v. 6. 

Thorns ; (1.) Wicked itieti, who are barren and mis- 
chievous : Ezek. xxv. 24 : Matt. vii. 16. (2.) Worldly 
and carnal hearts: Matt. xiii. 7, 22: Luke viii. 14. 
(3.) Stubborn unbelievers: Ezek. ii. 6. 

Throne; (1.) Heaven, where God manifests his 
glory: Isa. vi. 2: Ixvi. I. (2.) An order of holy 
angels: Col. i. 16. (3.) Sovereign power and dignity: 
Gen. xii. 40: 2 Sam. vii. 13, 16. 

Thunder ; (1.) Destructive calamities : Isa. xxix. 6» 
{2.) The noise of an army : Job. xxxv. 25. (3.) The 
preaching of the gospel: Mark iii. 17: Rev. xiv. 2. 
33 



S82 SYMBOLICAL LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE* 

Toaver; (1.) God in Christ: Ps. Ixi. 3: Prov. xr* 
10. (2.) Proud, lofty men : Isa. ii. 15 : xxx. 25. 

Travail; (1.) Sudden and painful calamities : Jef. 
iv. 31 : xiii. 21 : xxx. 6, 7 : Hos. xiii. 13 : 1 Thess. v. 
3. (•2.) Pains and labor to commit sin: Ps. \\\. 14^ 
(3.) The prayers and pains of the church, when in dis-^* 
tress: Micah v. 3 : Gal. iv. 19 : Rev. xii. 2, 

Tree-of-life ; Jesus Christ, with all the pleasures of 
iinmortaliiy : Rev. ii. 7 : xxii. 2. 

Trees; (I.) Godly men: Isa. Ixi. 3. (2.) The 
King of Assyria's army: Isa. x. 19. (3.) The inhabi* 
tants of Jerusalem: Matt. iii. 10 : vii. 19. 

Unicorns ; Powerful and w icked men : Isa. xxxiv* 
7 : Ps. XX. 21. It denotes uncomm^on strength: Numb. 
'Xxiii. 22. 

Vine ; (1.) God's ancient Israel: Ps. Ixxx. 8: Jer» 
ii. 21 : Ezek. xv. 2: Hos. x. 1. (2.) Antichrist: Rev. 
xiv. 18, 19. 

Vineyard; The church: Isa. v. 1 — 7: ?>Iatt. xx. 
I_16 : xxi. 28—45 : Luke xiii. 6, 7. 

Virgin ; (1.) A nation ; or city ; especially if neve? 
subdued by an enemy : 2 Kin. xix. 21 : Isa. xxiii. 12 : 
xlvii. 1 : Jer. xlvi. 11-: Larn. i. 15: Amos v. 2. 

Voice; (1.) Thunder: Ps.xxix, (2.) Alarming prov*. 
idences : Amos i. 2 : Micah vi. 9. (3.) God's laws, and 
offers of grace : Exod. xv. 26 : Heb. iii.7, 15 : Rev. iii. 20. 

Vv ALK ; (1.) Conversation or manner of life : Rom.vi. 
4 : Eph. iv. 1, 17. (2.) To depend upon, please, and 
retain an abiding sense of the favor of Gcd : Gen. v. 24: 
vi. 9: xvii. 1. (3.) To be governed by corrupt fleshly 
appetites : Rom. viii. 1. (4.) To regulate the whole life 
by the word and Spirit of God : Rom. viii. 1. (5.) To 
take God at his word : 2 Cor. v. 7 : Eph. ii. 10. 

Vv ASH ; To purify, cleanse, and m.ake white ; (1.) Nat- 
ural : Gen. xviii. 4. (2.) Ceremonial : Heb.ix. 10. (3.^ 
Moral : Ps. xxvi. 6 : Ixxiii .13. (4.) Spirhual : Ps. Ii. 2 : 
Exek. xvi. 9. (5.) Sacramental : Acts xxii. 16. (6.) Su- 
perstitious : Matt. XV. 2. (7.) Miraculous : 2 Kin. v. 10. 
It denotes, (1.) Abundance : Job.xxix. 6. (2.) Reformat 
tion : Isa. i. 16 : Prov. xxx. 12. (3.) Removal of guilt : 
1 Cor. vi. 11 : Rev. i. 5 : vii. 14. (4.) A token of inno- 
cency : Matt, xxvii. 24, 



SYMBOLICAL LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE. 383 

Water; (1.) Afflictions and trouble: Ps. Ixix. 1,2. (2.') 
A multitude of people : Isa. viii. 7 : Rev. xvii. 15. (3.) 
Children or posterity : Numb. xxiv. 7 : Prov. v. 15, 16 ^ 
Isa. xlviii. 1. (4.) Evangelical doctrines: 1 Cor. iii. 6^ 
/5.) Ordinances of the gospel : Isa.lv. 1 : Rev. xxii. 17, 
(6,) Refreshing graces of the Holy Spirit: Isa. xii. 3: xxxv. 
6, 7 : x]iv. 3 : John vii. 37, 38. (7.) Forbidden pleas- 
ures : Prov. ix. 17, (8.) The blessed gospel going forth 
from Jerusalem: Ezek. xlvii. 1 — 11. (9.) Glory and joy 
qf heaven : Rev. xxii. 1. 

Week ; Seven years. See Day. 
. Wilderness; (1.) The Gentile world, previous to the 
spread oi^ the gospel : Isa. xxxv. 1,6: xli. 18, 19 : xliii. 
19, 20. (2.) General desolation : Isa. xxvii. 10 : Jen 
xxii. 6. (3.) A country not so thickly peopled as others 
near it : Matt. iii. 1 : Joshua xv^ 61, 62. (4.) The pres*^ 
ent world of trial : 1 Cor. x. 5, 6. 

Wind ; (1.) The powerful operations of the Holy 
Spirit : John iii. 8 : Acts ii. 2. (2.) The judgments of 
God: Isa. xxvii. 8 : Jer. xxiii. 19: xxv. 32 . xxx. 23: 
Hos, iv. 19, (3.) Destruction of inhabitants : Jer. iv^ 
11, 12: li. 1. 

Winds, four; General destructions: Jer. xlix. 36 : 
Dan. vii. 2: Rev. vii. 1. 

Wine; (1.) The provisions of the Gospel : Isa. xxv. 
6 : Iv. I . (2.) Temporal blessings ; Ps, iv. 7 : Hos.* 
ii. 8. (3.) Comfort and consolation : Prov. xxxi. 6, 
(4.) The judgments of God ; Ps. Ixxv. 8 : Jer. xxv. 15 : 
Rev. xiv. 10 : xvi, 19. 

- Wings; (1.) Protection or defence: Exod. xix. 4 : 
Ps. xvii. 8 : xxxvi. 7 : xci. 4. (2.) Healing virtue af 
Christ : Mai. iv. 2. 

Witnesses ; (1.) Plagues and judgments : Job x. 17;. 
(2.) Persecuted churches or ministers : Rev. iii. 6. 

Wolf, wolves; (1.) Wicked, fierce, and cruel men, 
transformed by the Gospel and grace of Christ: Isa. xi. 
6. (2.) Persecutors : Matt. x. 16 : Luke x. 3. (3.) 
Avaricious unconverted ministers of religion : Acts xx. 29, 

Woman ; (1 .) The true Church, the spouse of Christ : 
Rev. xii. 1 : xxi. 9. (2.) The antichristian church ; 
llev, xvii, 3, 



384 SYMBOLICAL LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE* 

Women ; (1.) Nations or cities : Ezek. xxiii. 2, 3, 44* 
(2.) Weak, effeminate men: Isa. iii. 12: xix. 16. 

Wonder; (1.) Presage of calamities r Isa. xx. 3.t 
.(2.) The saints, who are wondered at: Ps. Ixxi. 7 : 
Isa. viii. 18. 

Word; (1.) The whole of the Divinely inspired 
writings r Lake xi. 28 : James i. 22» (2.) The Divine 
law, which commands what is good, and prohibits every 
evil : Ps. <3xix. 101. (3.) The promises of God : Ps» 
cxix. 25, 38, 49. (4.) Vision, or prophecy: Isa. ii. 1. 
(5.) God's command : Ps. cxlvii. 18. (6.) Command 
of Christ : Luke v. 5 : vii. 7. (7.) Whatever God ia 
his providence provides, and blesses to our support : 
Matt. iv. 3, 4. 

Worm ; A person weak, mean, and despised : Job 
3CXV. 6 : Ps. xxii. 6. 

Year ; (1.) A season of remarkable calamities : Jer, 
xi. 23. (2.) The Gospel^period : Isa. Ixi. 2. (3.) 
Unbounded duration : Ps. cii. 27 : Heb. i. 12. See Day, 

Yesterday ; (1.) Any time lately past : Job. viii. 9* 
{2.) All time past : Heb. xiii. 8. 

Yoke; (1.) Bondage or slavery : Levit. xxvi. 13: 
Deut. xxviii. 48 : Isa. ix. 4 : x. 27. (2.) Afflictions 
and restraint : Lam. iii. 27. (3.) Punishment for sin ^ 
Lam. i. 14. (4.) Painful religious rites: Acts xv. 10: 
Gal. V. 1. (5.) The easy commands of Christ : Matt* 
si. 29, 30. 

Zeal; (1.) God^s great and holy regard to his own 
honor, and his people^s good : 2 Kings xix. 31 : Isa, 
xxxvii. 32. (2.) An eagerness to have God honored, 
and true holiness promoted : Numb. xxv. 13: Ps. Ixix* 
9. (3.) An imprudent eagerness for trifles, rather than 
duties — and to promote the cause of Self, rather than 
the cause of God: Rom. x. 2, 3: Phil. iii. 6: 2 
Kings X. 16. 

ZioN ; (i.) The church whether Jewish or Christian : 
Ps. cii. 13 : Isa. ii. 3 : Heb. xii. 22. (2.) Heaven : 
Isa. Ii. 11 : Rev. xiv. 1. (3.) Mount Hermon, or some 
hills that were near it : Ps. cxxxiii. 3. (4.) The wor-. 
shippers at the temple, or inhabitants of Jerusalem : Ps* 
xcvii. 8. (5.) The temple and its cou.rts : Ps, Ixy^ 1 ^ 
Ixxxiv. 7. 



THK SECTS MENTIONED IN SCRIPTURE. 385 

The Samaritans were the descendants of those idola- 
trous nations, whom the King of Assyria sent to unite 
with the scattered few, in peopling Samaria and the 
land of Israel. They estahlished a system of religion 
Compounded of Judaism and Heathenism; and the Jews 
hated them with a perfect hatred, looking upon them as 
the worst of all human beings : John viii. 48. At 
present the Samaritans, though few in number, pretend 
strictly to observ^e the law of Moses ; and find great 
fault with the Jews for their negligence. They circum- 
cise their children on the eighth day after their birth ; 
and do not allow a plurality of wives ; nor marry their 
nieces. They observe the Sabbath so strictly, that they 
will scarcely move, except to their synagogues. 

The Sadducees, who derived their name from SadoCy 
their founder, were a sort of Deists. They believed 
diat God was the only immaterial being ; that there 
was neither angel nor spirit ; that there was no resurrec- 
tion of the dead ; nor any future state ; and that men 
were absolute masters of themselves ; and needed no 
assistance to enable them to do either good or bad. 
They rejected all traditions, and adhered to the texts 
of the sacred books ; though it is very evident they 
did not understand them. They were, in general, 
men of wealth ; and, without any restraint upon their 
corrupt passions and appetites, lived at their pleasure. 
They were zealous opposers of Jesus Christ and his 
apostles ; and we never read of the conversion of one of 
them ; Matt. xxii. 23 — 34 : Acts v. 17. 

The Pharisees, or Separatists, were so called bcr 
cause they dististinguished themselves from others by a 
strict manner of life, of which they made profession. 
They were haughty despisers of the common people ; 
and the greater part of the Doctors of the law, or scribes^ 
were of this sect. They substituted human traditions in 
the room of God's word, and were intolerably proud of 
their religious attainments ; supposing they merited the 
favor of God by their outward observances. They 
fasted often, made long prayers, gave much alms, and 
in all thino;s made a o-reat outward show of relio-ion ; but 
were covetous, proud, unjust, superstitious, and hypo- 
critical ; See Luke xviii, 9—14. They were very 
33* 



386 THE SECTS MENTIONED IN SCRrPITrRE. 

particular in wearing broad Phylacteries, or, Frontlets ; 
which were scrolls of parchment, four in number ; and 
■on which they wrote certain words of the law. On the 
first piece, they wrote Exod. xiii. from verse 2 — 10; 
and on the second, from verse 1 1 — 21 ; on the third, 
Deut, vi. from verse 4 — 9 ; and on the fourth, Deut, 
xi. from verse 13 — 21. These they put together, cov- 
ered them with a piece of hard calf-skin, and bound 
them upon their foreheads, upon their wrists, and upon 
the hem of their garments, where they wore them dur- 
ing the morning and evening prayers : Matt, xxiii. 5. 
These customs they founded on what you read in Exod, 
xiii, 9 — 16, and Numb. xv. 38, 39, And as the 
Prophets never spoke against the omission of this prac- 
tice, it seems evident, they understood literally what 
y^dis figuratively spoken : Read Matt, xxiii. 

The Hkrodians shaped their religion to suit the 
times ; and though it is not certain what were their par- 
ticular tenets, it is plain they had a leaven of their own, 
and that they sought to please men more than God ; 
and more especially Herod: See Mark viii. 15; and 
xii. 13. But we may consider them rather a political 
party, than a religious sect. 

The Stoics were a sect of heathen philosophers, 
who prided themselves m an affected indifference to 
.pleasure or pain, as though either were only imaginary ; 
and maintained that all things were determined by fate. 
They held that a wise man ought never to be moved by 
joy or grief. This sect appears to have been numerous 
at Athens when the apostle Paul was there. Acts 
xvii. 18, 

The Libertines were free citizens of Rome ; and 
who, being Jews or Proselytes, had a synagogue at Jeru- 
salem peculiar to themselves : Acts vi. 9, 

The Epicureans were a sect of heathen philoso- 
phers, who followed the doctrines of Epicurus, the Athe- 
nian. They denied that God either made or governs the 
world, or in any way whatever interferes with his crea- 
tures on earth. They denied the existence of angels^ 
and the immortality of the soul. They maintained that 
happiness consisted in pleasure ; but Epicurus allowed 
there was no pleasure but in virtue , and some of his 



THE ^ECTS MENTIONED IN SCRIPTURE. 38t 

followers held to tl>e same. Their principles were the 
very opposite of the Stoics ; and they flourished about 
^00 years before the Christian era : Acts xvii. 18, 

The Galileans appear to have been a very turbu- 
lent, political party formed into a sect among the Jews ; 
who refused to be in subjection to any other nation ; and 
^ho, by degrees swallowed up most of the other sects. 
They held much the same sentiments as the Pharisees ; 
and in general, they bore no good character for religion : 
John vii, 52, They considered it beneath the dignity 
of a Hebrew to pay a tax to heathens. Their first 
leader was Judas, the Galilean : Acts v. 37, This sect 
beofan the war with the Rom.ans which was never ex- 
tinguished till the Jewish nation was completely ruined. 

The Nicolaitans are expressly named in the New 
Testament ; Rev, ii, 6, 15 ; but who or what they are 
is not certain. It is said, they reckoned adultery and 
the use of meats offered to idols indifferent things ; and 
imputed all their wickedness to God as the cause. Nicho- 
las, one of the first seven deacons, was a man distin- 
guished for holiness and zeal : Acts vi, 5 — 7, And a$ 
nothing is said about his disgracing his profession as a 
"Christian, we cannot think, with some, that he was the 
founder of this sect. It is not unlikely but they were 
the very same with, or, at least a part of the Gnostics, 

Nazarenes, Christ's dwelling at Nazareth, gave 
rise to his being called a Nazartne : Matt, ii, 23, To 
be called a Nazarene, was to be called a worthless, des- 
picable man, from whom no good was to be expected : 
John i. 46, This name was put upon Christ by way of 
reproach and contempt ; they called his followers Naza- 
renes , and this stuck to them all as a nick- name : Acts 
Xxiv. 5, No name of reproach for religion's sake 
should seem hard to us ; but we should rather rejoice 
that we are counted worthy to sufter for Christ, who 
Avas called a Nazarene. 



388 ON SCRIPTURAL DIFFICULTIES. 

There is no point of importance in which the sixiy^ 
nx books of the Bible do not perfectly agree. The few 
trifling differences which have been brought forward, are 
easily and satisfactorily accounted for, if we but consider,- 
when different writers mention the same facts, each oae 
relates the circumstances as he was acquainted with ihem^ 

Prixting is only a modern invention, and been prae-^ 
tised but about 400 years ; and before that time books 
could be multiplied in no other way than by writing. 
Both the Hebrews and the Greeks often expressed their 
numbers by letters ; and some of them being very much 
alike, a hasty copyist might easily have mistook the one 
for the other ; yet not one doctrine or duty is rendered 
obscure on account of these differences. Some there are 
who neglect to •• Search the Scriptures ; " and assign as 
a reason for their so doing, that they find therein so many 
things they do not understand ; and, consequently, can 
not believe them. Ho\v absurdly do such individuals 
act ! who stumble over the difficulties they meet with in 
the Bible, whilst they pass unnoticed those plainly reveal^ 
ed truths, which, if attended to, would make them wise 
unto salvation. We meet with many things in our daily 
life which we cannot understand ; and yet no one doubts 
them. Whence comes pain ? Why are plagues, fam- 
ines, and pestilences, sent to ravage the surface of the 
earth, and sweep away the thousands of its inhabitants ? 
We believe the orrass orows. and that the sun shines, thouorh 
we cannot understand how the one springs up, or the 
other performs its course. If then, we believe so many 
natural things we can not account for, why should we 
disheVieve spiritual ilimo^s, merely because we are unable 
to account for them. Is it any thing wonderful that a 
finite worm cannot comprehend the wisdom, goodness, 
and glory of an infinite God ? Would it not rather be 
more wonderful if he could ? 

The Bible was never designed to clear up every diffi- 
culty. The glimmering lamp of nature will never give 
sufficient light to enable us to see, why the ungodly 
should prosper, and the godly he plagued and chastened 
continually ; but the light of grace solves the difficulty^ 
by showdng us a state of future retribution ; Ps. IxxiiL 
12—19 : Luke xxiii. 43 : Phil. i. 21; 23. 



ON SCRIPTURAL BITFICULTIES. 389 

You would do well to bear in mind, that, though many 
passages may appear difficult to you, they are not at ali 
difficult to those who are better acquainted with their 
Bibles, their own hearts, the world, and what were the 
particular customs of the Eastern countries at the time 
the events recorded took place. Thus, when Christ says, 
*^ Neither do men put new wine into old bottles,'' we 
dannot understand him till we are informed the bottles 
were not made of glass, as ours are ; but were a kind of 
leathern-bags made of skins, strongly stitched or pitched 
together ; and which, of course, as they became old and 
dry, would be unfit to hold new wine, which would fer-* 
ment and burst them ; and the longer thej^ were used 
the worse they would get. See Gen. xxi. 14 : Josh, ix, 
4 — 13 : Ps. cxix, 83 : Jer. xiii. 12. God tries our hearts, 
and takes care to give sufficient light to guide the meek 
on their way, and leave the ungodly without an excuse^ 

The chief reason why so many difficulties are found iri 
the WORD OF God, is, because the reader's heart is not 
right with God. For how can earthly-minded men enter 
into the meaning of heavenly truths ? 1 Cor. ii. 14, 15. 
The most obscure passages that we meet with, ought, at 
least, to teach us humility. Those who have joined some 
particular party, and taken their sentiments from them^ 
instead of the Bible, will always meet with difficulties in 
selecting particular passages to support their own opin«* 
ions. But if all such would only be wiUing to relinquish 
their sentiments, and come to the Bible with a humble 
determination to be guided by it, the difficulties met with 
would be very few and unimportant. Those who medi^ 
iate most upon what they read, compare scripture with 
scripture, and pray for Divine instruction, will encounter 
the least difficulties ; and will find at every step their 
path become brighter and brighter, even unto the perfect 
5ay. Read for yourself, and apply what you read ; and 
never turn fr<Dm a passage too hastily because it is difficult j 
for if you are not above being taught, God will not bo 
above teaching you. Ps. xxv. 9 ; J^mes i, 5« 



§90 SUPPOSED 'FATE OF THE EVINGELISTS AND APOSTLES. 

Saint Matthew, the Apostle and Evangelist, was 
martyred in a city in Ethiopia. 

St. Mark, the Evangelist, was dragged through the 
streets of Alexandria, in Egypt, till he expired. 

St. Luke, the Evangelist, was hanged on a tree till 
he was dead, in Greece. 

St. John, the Apostle and Evangelist, after having 
been put into a caldron of boiling oil, at Rome, and re* 
cBiving no hurt, died a natural death at Ephesus, in Asia. 

St. Peter was crucified at Rome ; and, according to 
ills own request, with his head downwards ; thinking 
liimself unworthy to die in the posture his Lord bad done. 

St, James the Great, was beheaded at Jerusalem. 

St. James the Less, was thrown from a pinnacle of 
the temple, and beaten to death with clubs. 

St. Philip was hanged against a pillar at Hierapolis^ 
a city in Phrygia, till he expired. 

St. Bartholomew was flayed alive. 

St, Andrew was bound to a cross, and- preached to 
tlie people till he expired. 

St. Thomas was pierced through the body with a 
lance, at Coromandel, in the East-Indies. 

St. Jude was shot to death with arrows, 

St, Simon the Zealot, was crucified in Persia. 

St. Matthias was first stoned, and afterwards be*- 
iieaded, 

St. Barnabas was stoned to death, by the Jews, at 
Salamis, 

St, Paul, the great teacher of the Gentiles, was be* 
headed, at Rome, by the tyrant Nero. 

Such was the fate of the first Preachers of the Gospel 
of Peace, according to the best accounts we have of their 
end. And, truly, they were sent forth as " sheep among 
wolves : " Matt. x. 16. Nor is the world any more 
^iendly to the true disciples of Christ in our day, than it 
was in their day : 2 Tim, iii. 12. Let us, then, take 
our Lord's advice, Love all men, and fear none ; Luk^ 
xii. 4, 5. 

Sin is a greater evil than death ; therefore, dare tp 
^Cf rather than sin. 



AN INDEX 

Oi? titE PROPER NAMES IN THE 

OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS : 

TOGETHER With the English accentua^tion and PRONtN* 

CIATION OF each WORD. 



ADVERTISEMENT. 

1. Throughout the following; index, the Accentual 
Mark Q is intended to show, that the syllable to which 
it is affixed is that on which an emphasis is to be laid. 

2. The small letters are designed to express tli@ 
proper sound, or Pronunciation of those Names to whiqh 
they are attached. 

3. The letter g*, wherever it is retained, must have its 
hard sound, as it has in the word good ; its soft sound, 
such as it has in George^ being always expressed by the 
letterj being put in the place of it. 

4. Whenever the letters ch occur in the Pronuncia- 
tions^ they are to have their soft sound, as in the word 
child ; their hard sound, as in chord, being shown by 
the use of k in their stead. 

5. When a syllable is terminated by a vowel, if tlie 
accent be on the syllable, the vowel must have a long 
sound. And when a consonant terminates a syllable, 
whether the accent be on the syllable or not, the vowel 
immediately preceding the final consonant, must in gen- 
eral have a short sound. 

6. Wherever the letter i is a syllable of itself, and ter-- 
minatcs a word, it must always have its long sound, as 
in mine ; and when the letters ai make but one syllable, 
they must be sounded like ay in the word day. 

I have been governed by the most eminent Prosodians, 
in the following table ; and hope my young reader, by 
attending to the hints given, will be enabled to ascertain 
the most approved Pronunciation, and correct Accentu- 
ation, of any name therein contained. 



392 



ABI. 



ADA. 



AARON, ay'ron. 
AARONITES, ay'ron-ites. 
ABADDON, a-bad'don. 
ABAGTHA, ab-ag'thah. 
ABANA, ab-ay'nah. 
ABARIM, ab'a-rim. 
ABDA, ab'dah. 
ABDI, ab'de. 
ABDIEL, ab'de-el. 
ABDON, ab'don. 
ABED-NEGO, a-bed'ne--go. 
ABEL, ay'bel. 
ABEL-BETH-MAACHAH 

ay'bei-beth-ma-ay'ka, or 

ma'a-kah. 
ABEL-MAIM, ay'bel-may' 

im. 
ABEL-MEHOLAH,ay'bel- 

me-ho'lah. 
ABEL-MIZRAIM, ay'bel- 

miz-ra'y-im. 
ABEL-SHITTIM, ay'bel- 

sliit'tim. 
ABEZ, ay'bez. 
ABI, ay'by. 
ABI AH, ab'i^ah. 
ABI-ALBON, ab-e-al'bon. 
ABIATHAR, ab-i'a-thar. 
ABIB, ay'bib. 
ABIDAH, ab-i'dah. 
ABIDAN, ab^'daii. 
ABIEL, ab'e-el. 
ABIEZER, ab-e-e'zer. 
ABI-EZRITE, ab-e-ez'rite, 
ABIGAIL, ab'e-gal, or able- 
gate. 
ABI HAIL, ab-e-hay'il, or 

ab'e-haJe. 
ABIHU, ab-i'hu, or ab-e-hu'. 
ABIJAH, ab-i'jah. 
ABIJAM, ab-i'jam. 
ABILENE, ab-e-le'ne. 



ABIMAEL, ab-im'ma-el, of 

ab-be-may'el. 
ABIMELECH, ab-im'rae- 

lek. 
ABINADAB, ab-in'na-dab. 
ABINOAM, ab-in'no-am. 
ABIRAM, ab-i'ram. 
ABISHAG, ab'be-shag. 
ABISHAI, ab-bish'a-i, or 

ab-be-shay'i. 
ABISHALOM, ab-bish'a- 

lom, or ab-be-shay'lom. 
ABISHUA, ab-bish'u-a, or 

ab-be-shu'a. 
ABISHUR, ab'be-shur. 
ABITAL, ab'be-tal. 
ABITUB, ab'be-tub. 
ABIUD, ab'be-ud. 
ABRAM, ay'bram. 
ABRAHAM, ay'bra-haau 
ABSALOM, ab'sa-lom. 
ACCAD, ak'ad. 
ACCHO, ak'ko. 
ACELDAMA,a-sel'da-maTi. 
ACHAIA, a-kay'yah. 
ACHAICUS, a-kay'e-kus. 
ACHAN, a'kan. 
ACHAR,a'kar. 
AC HBO R, ak'bor. 
ACHIM, a'kim. 
ACHISH, a'kish. - 
ACHMETHA, ak'me'thah. 

or ak'-me'thah. 
ACHOR, a'kor. 
ACHSAH, ak'sah. 
ACHSHAPH, ak'shaf. 
ACHZIB, ak'zib. 
AD ADAH, ad'a-dah, or ad-' 

ay'dab. 
ADAH, ay'dah. 
ADAIAH, ad-a-i'ah. 
ADALIAH, ad-a-]y'ah. 



AHA. 



ALL. 



393 



ADAM, ad'dam. 
AD AMAH, ad'da-mah. 
ADAMI, ad'da-my. 
ADAR, ay'dar. 
ADBEEL, ad'be-el, or ad- 

be'el. 
ADDI, ad'dy. 
ADDON, ad'don. 
ADIEL, ad'i-el. 
ADIN, ad'din. 
ADITHAIM, ad-e-thay'im. 
ADLAI, ad-lay'i. 
ADMAH, ad'mah. 
ADMATHA, ad'ma-thah, 

or ad-may'thah. 
ADNAH, ad'nah. 
ADONI-BEZEK, ad-o-ne- 

ADONIJAH, ad-o-ny'jah. 
ADONIKAM, ad-o-ny'kam. 
ADONIRAM, ad-o-ny'ram. 
ADONI-ZEDEK, ad'o-ne- 

zee'dek. 
ADO R AIM, ad-o ray'im. 
ADORAM, ad-o'ram. 
ADRAMMELECH, ad- 

ram'me-lek. 
ADRAMYTTIUM, ad-ra- 

mit'te-um. 
ADRIA, ay'dre-ah. 
ADULLAM, ad-ul'lam. 
AGABUS, ag'ga-bus. 
AG AG, ay'gag. 
AGAGITE, a'gag-ite. 
AGAR, ay'gar. 
AGRIPPA, a-grip'pah. 
AGUR, ay'gur. 
AHAB, ay'hab. 
AHASUERUS, a-has-u-e'- 

rus. 
AHAVA, a-hay'vah. 
AHAZ, ay'haz. 
34 



AHAZIAH, a-ha-zy'ab. 
AHIAH, a-hy'ah. 
AHIEZER, a-hy-e'zer. 
AHIJAH, a-hy'jah. 
AHIKAM, a-hy'kam. 
AHILUD, a-hy'lud. 
AHIMAAZ, a-him'ma-az. 
AHIMAN, a-hy'man. 
AHIMELECH, a-him'me- 

lek. 
AHIMOTH, a'he-motb. 
AHINOAM, a'hin'no-ara, 
AHIO, a-hy'o. 
AHIRA, a'hy-rah. 
AHISAMACH, a-his'sa- 

mak. 

AHISHAR, a-hy'shar. 
AHITHOPHEL, a-hit'to- 

fel. 

AHITUB, a-hy'tub. 
AHIHUD, a-hy'hud, 
AHLAB, ah'lab, 
AHOLAH, a-holah. 
AHOLIAB a-ho'le-ab. 
AHOLIBAH, a-ho'le-bah. 
AHOLIBAMAH, a-ho'Ie* 
bay'mah, or a-ho-lib'a-mah. 
AI, ay'i. 

AIOTH, ay'otb. 
AJALON, ad'ja-lon. 
ALAMMELECH, al-am'- 

me-lek. 
ALEXANDER, alex-an'- 

der. 
ALEXANDRIA, al-ex-an'- 

dre-a. 

ALLELUIA, al-le-lu'yah, 
ALLON, al'lon. 
ALLON-BACHUTH, al'* 

lon-Bak'kulb. 
ALMODAD, al-mo'dad. 
ALPHA, al'fah. 



394 



ANN. 



ANM. 



ALPHEUS, al-fe'us. 
AMALEK, am'a-lek. 
AMALEKITES, am-al'ek- 

ites. 
AMANA, ara-ay'-nah or am'- 

ma-na. 
AMARIAH, am-a-ry'ah. 
AMASA, am-ay'sah. 
AMAZIAH, am-a-zy'ah. 
AMMAH, am'mah. 
AMMI, am'my. 
AMMI-NADAB, am-min'- 

na-dab. 
AMMIHUD, am'me-hud. 
AMMISHADDAI, am'me- 

shad'day-i. 
AMMON, am'mon. 
AMMONITES, am'mon- 

ites. 
AMNON, am'non. 
AMON, ay'mon. 
AMORITE, am'o-rite. 
AMOS, ay'raos. 
AMOZ, ay'moz, 
AMPHIPOLIS, atn-fip'po- 

lis. 
AMPLIAS, am'ple-as. 
AMRAM, am'ram, 
AMRAPHEL, am'ra-fel. 
ANAH, ay'nah. 
ANAK, ay'nak. 
ANAKIMS, an'ak-ims. 
ANAMMELECH, an-am'- 

me-lek. 
ANANIAS, an-a-ny'as. 
ANATHOTH, an'a-thoth. 
ANDREW, an'drue. 
ANDRONECUS, an-dron'- 

ne-kus, or an-dro-ny'kus. 
ANER, ay'ner. 
ANNA, an'nah. 
ANNAS, an'nas. 



ANTICHRIST, an'te- 

kryste. 
ANTIOCH, an'te-ok. 
ANTIPAS, an'te-pas. 
ANTIPATRIS, an-tip'a- 

tris, or an-te-pay'tris. 
APELLES, a-peWees. 
APHEK, ay'fek. 
APOLLONIA, ap-po-lo'ne- 

ab. 
APOLLOS, a-poWos. 
APOLLYON, a.poHe-on. 
APPHIA, af'e-ah. 
APPII-FORUM, ap'pe-i- 

fo'rum. 
AQUILA, ak'we-lab. 
AR, ar'r. 

ARABIA, a-ray'be-ah. 
ARABIAN, a-ray'be-an. 
ARAM, a'ram. 
ARARAT, ar'ra-rat. 
ARAUNAH, a-raw'nab. 
ARBA, ar'bab. 
ARCHELAUS, ar-ke-lay'- 

us. 
ARCHIPPUS, ar-kip'pus, 
ARCTURUS, aik-tew' 

rus. 
ARD, ard'. 
ARELI, ar-elie. 
AREOPAGITE, a-re-op'a- 

gyte. 
AREOPAGUS, a-re-op'a- 

gus. 
ARETAS, a-re/tas. • 
ARGOB, ar'gob. 
ARIEL, ay're-el. 
ARIMATHEA, a-re-ma- 

tbe'ah. 
ARIOCH, ar'e-ok. . 
ARISTARCHUS, a-ris- 

tai/kus 



AZE. 



BAB. 



395 



ARISTOBULUS, a-ris-tob' 

bu-lus, or a-ris-to- bew'lus. 
ARMAGEDDON, ar-raa- 

ged'don. 
ARMENIA, ar-me'ne-ah. 
ARNON, ar'non. 
AROER, ar'o-er. 
ARPAD, ar'pad. 
ARPHAXAD, ar-fak's-ad. 
ARTAXERXES, ar-taks- 

erk's-es. 
ARTEMAS, ar'te-mas. 
ASA, ay'sah. 
ASAHEL, as'a-el. 
ASAIAH, as'a-i-ah. 
ASAPH, ay'saf. 
ASENATH, as'e-nath. 
ASHDOD, ash'dod. 
ASHER, ash'er. 
ASHIMA, ash'e-mah. 
ASHKENAZ, ash'ke-naz. 
ASHTAROTH, ash'ta-roth 
ASHUR, ash'ur. 
ASIA, ay'she-a. 
ASKELON, as'ke-lon. 
ASNAPPER, as-nap'per. 
ASSIR, as'ser. 
ASSOS, as'sos, 
ASSYRIA, as-slr're-a. 
ASSYRIAN, as-sir're-an. 
ASYNCRITUS, a-sin'kre 

tus. 
ATAD, ay'tad. 
ATHALIAH, ath-a-ly'ah. 
ATHENIANS, ath-ee'ne- 

ans. 
ATHENS, ath'ens. 
ATTALIA, at-ta-ly'ah. 
AVEN, ay'ven. 
AGUSTUS, aw-gus'tus. 
AZARIAH, az-a-ry'ah. 
AZEKAH, az-ce'kah. 



AZGAD, az'gad- 
AZNOTH-TABOR, az' 

noth-Tay'bor. 
AZOTUS, a-zo'tus. 
AZUR, ay'zur. 
B. 

BAAL, bay'al. 
BAALAH, bay'al-ah. 
BAAL-BERITH, bay'al- 

Be'rith. 
BAAL-GAD, bay'al-Gad. 
BAAL-HAMON, bay'al- 

Hara'mon, orbay'al-Hay' 

mon. 
BAAL-HERMON,^bay'al- 

Her'mon. 
BAALI/^bay'al-ly. 
BAALIM, bay'al-im. 
BAALIS, bay'al-is. 
BAAL-MEON,^|bay'al-Me' 

on. 

BAAL-PEOR,bay'al.Pe'or. 
BAAL-PERAZIM, bay'al- 

Per'a-zim. 
BAAL-SHALISHA,bay'al- 

ShaFe-shah, 
BAAL-TAMAR, bay'al- 

Tay'inar. 
BAAL-ZEBUB, bay'al-Ze' 

bub. 
BAAL-ZEPHON, bay'al- 

Ze'fon. 
BAANAH,bay'a-nah, or ba- 

ay'nah. 
BAASHAH, bay'a-shah, or 

ba-ay'sbah. 
BABEL, bay'bel. 
BABYLON, bab'be-lon. 
BABYLONIANS, bab-be- 

lo'ne-ans. 
BABYLONISH, bab-be-lo' 

nish. 



396 



BEN. 



BET. 



BACA, bay'kah. 
BAHURIM, ba-hew'iim. 
BAJITH, ba'jlth. 
BALAAM, bay'lam. 
BALAK, bay'lak. 
BAMAH. bay'mab. 
BARABBAS, bar-ab'bas. 
BARACHEL, bar'a-kel. 
BARACHIAS, bar-a-ky'as, 
BARAK, bay'rak. 
BAR-JESUS, bar-Je'sus. 
BAR-JONA, bar-Jo'nah. 
BARNABAS, bar'na-bas. 
BARSABAS, bar'sa-bas. 
BARTHOLOMEW, bar- 

thol'lo-mew. 
BARTDIEUS, bar-te-me'iis 
BARUCH, bav'ruk. 
BARZILLAi;bar-ziHa-i, or 

bar-ziPlay. 
BASHAN, bay'shan. 
BASHEMATHbash'e-matb 
BATH-SHEBAH,bath-she< 

bah, or beth'sbe-bah. 
BEDAD, be'dad. 
BED AN, be'dan. 
BEEL-ZEBUB, be-el'ze- 

bub. 
BEER, be'er. 
BEER^L AH A [-ROI, be'er- 

la-hay'roy, or be'er-la-hay' 

e-roy. 
BEER-SHEBA, be'er-She' 

bah. 
BEKAH, be'kah. 
BEL, bell'. 
BELIAL, bee'le-al. 
BELSHAZZAR, bel-shaz' 

zar. 
BELTESHAZZAR, bel-j 

te-sbaz'zar. 
BENAIAH, ben'ay-yah, 



BEN-AMMI, ben-am'my. 
BENHADAD,ben-hay'dad, 

or ben'ha-dad. 
BENJAMIN, ben'ja-min. 
BENJAMITE, ben'ja-mite. 
BENONI, ben-o'ny. 
BEOR, be'or. 
BERACHAH, ber'a-kah, or 

be-ray'kah. 
BEREA, be-ree'ah. 
BERITH, be'rith. 
BERNICE. ber-ny'se. 
BESOR, be'sor. - 
BETAH, be'tah. 
BETHABARA,beth-ab'ba^ 

rah. 
BETHANY, betb'a-ne. 
BETH-AVEN.beth-ayVen. 
BETH-BIREI, beth-bir're- 

i. or beth-be-re'i. 
BETH-CAR, beth'kar. 
BETH-DAGON, beth-day' 

gon. 
BETH-DIBLATHAIM, 

betb-dib-la-thay'im. 
BETHEL, beth'el. 
BETH-ELITE, beth'el-ite. 
BETHER, be'ther. 
BETHESDA, beth-es'dah. 
BETH-EZEL, beth-e'zel. 
BETH-GAMUL, beth-gay' 

mul. 
BETH-HACCEREM, 

beth-hak'se-rem, or beth- 

bak'ke-rem. 
BETH-HORON, beth-ho' 

ron. 
BETH-LEHEM, beth'le- 

hem. 
BETH-LEHEM-EPHRA- 

TAH, beth'le-hem-EfF. 

ray'tah, or Eff'ra^tsih^ 



CAI. 



CHA. 



397 



BETH-LEHEM-JUDAH, 

betli'le-hem-ju'dah. 
BETH-LEHEMITE, beth' 

le-liem-ite. 
BETH-PEOR, beth-pe'or. 
BETHPHAGE,beth-fay'je, 

or beth'fa-je. 
BETHSAIDA, beth-say' 

dali, or beth-say'e-dah. 
BETHSHAN, beth'shan. 
BETH-SHEMESH, beth- 
she'mesh, or beth'she- 

mesh. 
BETHUEL, beth-ew'el. 
BEULAH, be-ew'lah, or 

bew'lah. 
BEZALEEL, be-zal'e-el, or 

bez-a-lee'el. 
3EZEK, be'zek. 
JICHRI, bik'ry. 
JIDKAR, bid'kar. 
3IGTHAN, big'than. 
BIEDAD, bil'dad. 
BILHAH, bil'hah. 
BIRSHAH, bir'sba. 
BITHIAH, be-thy'ah. 
BITHRON, bith'ron. 
BITHYNIA, be-thin'e-ab. 
BLASTUS, blas'tus. 
BOANERGES,bo-a-ner'jes 
BOAZ, bo'az. 
BOCHIM, bo'klm. 
BOOZ, bo'oz. 
BOZEZ, bo'zez. 
BOZRAH, boz'rah. 
BUL, bull'. 
BUZ, buzz'. 
BUZI, bew'zye. 
BUZITE, bew'zyte. 

C. 
CABUL, kay'bul. 
CAIAPHAS, kay'a-fas. 
34* 



CAIN, ka'yn. 
CAINAN, kay'nan. 
CALAH, kay'lah. 
CALEB, kay'leb. 
CALEB-EPHRATAH, 

kay'leb-Ef-ray'tah, or kay' 

leb-Efra-tah. 
CALNEH, kal'nay. 
CALNO, kal'no. 
CALVARY, kal'va-re, 
CAMON, kay'mon. 
CANA, kay'nah. 
CANAAN, kay'nan. 
CANAANITE, kay'nan-ite. 
C AND ACE, kan-day'se, or 

kan'da-se. 
CAPERNAUM, ka-per'na- 

ura. 

CAPHTOR, kaf'ter. 
CAPPADOCIA, kap-pa- 

do'se-a. 
CARCAS, kar'kas. 
CARCHEMISH, kar'ke- 

rnish. 

CARMEL, kar'mel. 
C A RME LlTE,kar'rae-Iy te. 
CARMI, kar'mye. 
CARPUS, kar'pus. 
CASIPHIA, ka-sif'i-a, or 

ka-se-fy'a. 
CEDRON, see'dron, orkee' 

dron. 
CENCHREA, sen-kree'a, 

or senk're-a. 
CEPHAS, see'fas. 
CESAR, see'sar. 
CESAREA, ses-a-ree'a. 
CHALCOL, kal'kol. 
CHALDEA, kal-dee'a. 
CHALDEAN, kal-dee'an. 
CHALDEES, kal-deez'. 
CHARRAN, kar'raa. 



398 



coz. 



DIM. 



CHEBAR, ke'bar. 
CHEDORLAOMER, ke'- 

dor-lay'o-mer, or ke'dor- 

la-o'mer. 
C H EM ARIMS, kem'a-rims 
CHEMOSH, ke'mosh. 
CHENANIA, ke-na-ny'ah. 
CHERETHIMS, ker'eth 

ims. 
CHERETHITES, ker'eth 

ites. 
CHERITH, ke'rith. 
CHESED, ke'sed. 
CHILEAB, kiWe-ab. 
CHILION, kil'le-on, or ke 

ly'on. 
CHILMAD, kil'mad. 
CHIMHAM, kim'ham. 
CHIOS, ky'os. 
CHISLEU, kis'lu. 
CHITTIM, chit'tim. 
CHIUN, ky'un. 
CHLOE, klo'e, 
CHORAZIN, ko-ray'zin. 
CHUSHAN-RISHATHA- 

IM, kew'shan, or kush'an 

rish-a-thay'irn. 
CHUZA, kew'zah. 
CILICIA, sil-ish'e-a. 
CLAUDA, klaw'dah. 
CLAUDIA, klaw'de-ah. 
CLEMENT, klera'ent. 
CLEOPHAS, klee'o-fas. 
COLOSSE, ko-los'see. 
CONIAH, ko-ny'ah. 
CORINTH, ko'rinth, or 

kor'inth. 
CORINTHIANS, ko-rin' 

the-ans. 
CORNELIUS, koi-nee'le- 

us. 
COZBI, koz'bye. 



CRESCENS, kres'sens. 
CRETE, kree't. 
CRETES, kree'ts. 
CRETIANS, kree'she-ans. 
CRISPUS, kris'pus. 
CUSH, kush'. 
CUSHAN. kush'an. 
CUSHI, kush'i. 
CYPRUS, sy'pras. 
CYRENE, sy^re'ne. 
CYRENIANS, sy-re'ne- 

ans. 

CYRENIUS, sv-re'ne-us. 
CYRUS, sy'rus'. 
D. 
DABBASHETH, dab'ba- 

sheth. 
DABERATH, dab'be-rath. 
DAGON, day'gon. 
DALMANUTHA, dal-roa- 

new'tbah. 
DALM ATI A dal-may'she-a. 
DAMARIS, dan/a-ris. 
DAMASCUS, dam-as'kus. 
DAN, dann'. 
DANIEL, dan'e-el., 
DARA, day'ra. 
DARIUS, da-ry'us. 
DATHAN, day'tban. 
DAVID, day'vid. 
DEBORAH, deb'o-rah. 
DECAPOLlS,de-kap'po-lis. 
DEDAN, de'dan. 
DEDANIM, ded'an-im. 
DELILAH, del'e-lah. 
DEMAS, dee'mas. 
DEMETRIUS, de-me'trlus 
DERBE, der'be. 
DEUEL, de-ew'eL 
DIANA, dy-ay'nah, 
DIBON, dy'bon. 
DIBON-GAD, dy'bon-gad' 



ELA. 



ELK. 



399 



DIDYMUS, did'e-mus. 
DIMON, dy'inon. 
DINAH, dy'nah. 
DINHABAH, din'a-bah, or 

di-nay'bah. 
DION YSIUS,dy-o-nish'e-us 
DIOTREPHES, dy-ot're- 

feez. 
DOEG, do'eg. 
DOR, dorr'. 
DORCAS, dor'kas. 
DOTHAN, doe'than. 
DRUSII.LA, drew-sil'lah. 
DUMAH, dew'mah. 
DURA, dew'rab. 

E. 
EASTER, ee's-ter. 
EBAL, ee'bal. 
EBED, ee'bed. 
EBED-MELECH, e-bed 

me-lek or ee'bed-Me'Iek. 
EBEN-EZER, eb-en-ee'zer 
EBER, ee'ber. 
EBIASAPH, e-by'a-sat; or 

e-be-ay'saf. 
ED, edd'. 
EDEN, ee'den. 
EDOM, ee'dom. 
EDOMITES, e'dom-ites. 
EDRE!, ed're-i, or ed-ree'i. 
EGLAH, eg'lah. 
EGLAIM, eg-lay'im. 
EGLON, eg'lon. 
EGYPT, ee'jipt. 
EGYPTIAN, e-jip'shan. 
EHUD, e/hud. 
EKRON, ek'ron. 
EKRONITES, ek'ron-ites. 
ELAH, e'lab., 
ELAM, e'lam. 
ELAMITES, elam-ites. 
ELATH, c'lath. 



EL-BETHEL, el-Beth'el. 
ELD AD, el'dad. 
ELEALEH, el-e-ay'leh. 
ELEAZAR, el-e-av'zar. 
EL-ELOHE-ISRAEL, el- 

El-o'e-Is'ra-el, or el-El-ho' 

he-Is'ra-el. 
ELHANAN, el-hay'nan. 
ELL e'lye. 

ELIAB, e-ly'ab, or e'le-ab, 
ELI ADA, e-ly'a-da, or e-le- 

ay'da. 

ELI A KIM, e-Iy'a-kim. . 
ELI AM, e-ly'am, or e'le-am. 
ELI AS, e-ly'as. 
ELIASHIB, e-ly'a-shib, or 

e-Ie-ay'shib. 
ELIATHAH, e-lyVthal>, 

or e-le-ay'thah. 
ELIEZER, e-le-ee'zer. 
ELIHOREPH, e-le-ho'ref. 
ELIHU, e-ly'bew, or el'e-hu. 
ELIJAH, elyjah. 
ELIKA, e-ly'kah. 
ELIM, p/Iim. 
ELIMELECH, e-lim'me- 

lek. 

ELIOENAI, e-le-ee'na-i. 
ELIPHALET, e-lif fa-let. 
ELIPHAZ, e-ly'faz, or el'- 

le-faz. 

ELISABETH, e-liz'a-betb. 
ELISHA, e-ly'sha. 
ELISHAH, e-ly'sbah. 
ELISHAMAH, e-lish'a- 

raab, or el-e-shav'mab. 
ELISHEBA, e-iish'e-bah, 

or el-e-sbe'bah, 
ELISHUA, el-e-sbcw'ab. 
ELIUD, e-ly'ud, or el'e-ud. 
ELIZUR. e-iy'zur. 
ELKANAH, el-kay'nab. 



fe.i 



400 EPH. EVE. 

ELMODAM. el-cio dan:. orEPHRATH, effrath, 

ei L'..D-caa:. EPHRATHITE. eirraih- 

EL>iATHA^", el-nay'thani ke, 

or el na-than- [EPHRON. ei' ron. 

ELON. e^Ion. EPICURE-\>iS, ep-e-kew- 

ELUL. eli: reans. 

ELL Z Alj c.-u-Zav .. ur r-ER. enK. 

loo^za-i. ERA STL'S, e-ras :us. 

ELYMAS. eFe-mas. EREC H, erek. 

E31D1S. e mims. ESAlAS e-zayyas. or e- 

OlMAL'S, «n-inay^i5y or zave-as 

em m a-us. ESAR-HADDOX, e si> 

E3IMOR, em mor. I Had don. 

E>-DOR, eo dor. ES AL , ee^saw, 

E>"EAS. e-nee'as. ESEK. e sek, 

E>-EGLABL en-Ez-lay^-ESH-BAAL, ^Wiay'al, or 

im. "' i-al, 

E:V-GEDL e^-v:xr . . ^r cn Z-oCOL. esh^kol. 

ge-de. ESHTAOL, esb-tajT'ol. cr 

E^-MlSHPET.en.AIish pat esh ta-oL 
EAOCH. eenck, ,ESHTOIOA, esh-te-iDc/a. 

E]XO>\ ee oon. [ or esh-tem'mo-a. 

E?sOS. ee DOS, ESLl. esslve. 

EA-ROGEL, en-RoVel, ESROM. ^rom. 
E?^'-SHE3IESH. en-Sh^- ESTHER, ess'ier. 

mesh, or en she-mesh. ETAM. e tarn. 
EPAPHRAS. ep oa-fras. ETHAAI. e tbam. 
EPAPHRODITUS, e-pal-ETHA^. e-tban. 

ro-dv lus. ETHA^STM. eih'an-im. 

EPE-\ETL'S. e-pe^eetas.ETHB.\AL, eih-Bay'al, or 

or e-pen ne-tu5. \ ei: ba-ai. 

EPHAH. ee lah. ETHIOPL\. eetbe^pe-a. 

EPHES-DA3DIDI. efez-ETfflOPL\>S, ee-tbe-o- 

r pe-a:is. 

EP r_-^^ : .-- EUBULUS. vew-bewlus. 

EPHESLS. ef fe^us, - vewbu-lus. 

EPHPHATHA. efta-iLi, El .VlCE. vew-iv se. 
EPHRAIM, eefia-im. ELODL\S' vewice-o, 

EPHRAIMITES. ee :>-ELTHKATES, yew-fiav-- 

im-ites. • tes. 

EPHRATAH, eff-raj^ub, ELTYCHUS, 7e^^ie4ais. 

0r effia-ufa. IE\TE, ee^y. 



GEB. 



GOL. 



401 



EVIL-IMERODACH, ee 

vil-Me-ro'dak, or ee'vil- 

Mei-'o-dak. 
EZEKIEL, e-xeelce-el. 
EZEL. e'zel. 
EZIONGEBER, e'ze-on- 

Ge'ber. 
EZRA, ez'ra. 
F. 
FELIX, fee'liks. 
FESTUS. fes'tus. 
FORTUNATUS, foi-tu- 

nay'tus. 

G. 
GAAL. ^av'al. 
GAASHrs'av'ash. 
GABBATHA. gab'ba-tha. 
GABRIEL, gav'bre-el. 
GAD, sadd'. 

GAD AREXES.gad-a-ree'ns 
GADDI. oad'dv. 
GADDIEL, ?ad'de-el. 
GADITES. gl^d'dltes. 
GAIUS. gav'e-us. 
GAL ATI A. eal-av'se-a. 
GALATIAXS.gai-av'se-an? 
GALBANUM.'gal'ba-num. 
GALE ED. gal'eted. 
GALILEE, gal'le-lee. 
GALILEAXS,gal-le-lee'ans 
GALLD], cral'liin. 
GALLIC, gal'le-o. 
GAMALIEL, gam-ay'le-el. 
GAM:\IADDIS, gam'ma- 

diiHs. 
GAT AM. gav'tam. 
GATH. nad)'. 
GATH-RIMMOM, gath- 

Riin'mon. 
GAZA, say'zah. 
GEBA, ge'bah. 
GEBAL, ge'bal. 



GEBIM, ge'bim. 
GEDALIAH, ged-a-ly'ah. 
GEHAZI, ge-hay'zye. 
GE M A RI A H , gem-a-rv'ah, 
GE.NA'ESARET, gen-ness' 

3-T*Gt 

GENUBATH, gen'u-batb. 
GERA. ge'rah. 
GERAH, ge'rah. 
GERAR. ge'rar. 
GERGESEAES, ger'ge- 

seens. 

GERIZDI. ger're-zim. 
GERSHOMrger'shom. 
GERSHOA. ger'shon. 
GESHUR. Ke'shur. 
GESHURITES, gesh'u. 

rvtes. 
GET HER, ge'ther. 
GETHSE.MANE,geth-sem' 

a-ne. 
GIAH, sv'ah. 
GIBE AH, gibe-ah. 
GIBEOX. ^ib'e-on. 
GIBEOMTES.gib'e-on-kes 
GIDEO-X. gid'e-oii. 
GIDEOM,^i;id-e-o'nv. 
GIHOX. sv'hon. 
GILBOAr"gil'bo-ah, or gil- 

bo'ab. 
GILEAD. sil'le-ad. 
GILEADITES.iril'le^id-ites 
GILGAL, gil'gaK 
GILOH, gv'loh. 
GILOMTE, izv'lonite. 
GIRGASHITE,gir'ga-sl>ite. 
GITTITE, git'tite. 
GOB, gobb'. 
GOG, i^o^ti^^, 
GOLAN .""go'lan. 
GOLGOTHA, gol'go-thah. 
GOLIATH, go-ly'ath. 



402 



HAN. 



HER. 



GOMER, go'mer. IHANANI, han-ay'ny. 

GCMORRAH, go-mor'rab. HANNAH, han'nah. 



GOSHEN, go'shen. 
GOZAN, go'zan. 
GRECIA, gree'she-a. 
GRECIANS, gree'she-ans 
GREECE, gree'ce. 
GREEK, gree'k. 
GREEKS, gree'ks. 
GUR, gurr'. 

H. 
HABAKKUK, hab'a-kuk 
HACHALIAH. hak-a-lv'ah. 
HACHILAH, hak'e-lah 
HADAD, hav'daH. 
HADADEZER, hay'dad- 

HADADRDDION, hay' 

dad-rim'mon. 
HADASSAH. ha-da?s'ah. 
HADORAM, ha-do'ram. 
HADRACH, hav'drak. 
HAGAR, hav'gar. 
HAGARENES, hay'gar- 

eens. 
HAGARITES, hay'gar-Ites. 
HAGGAI, haii'ga-i. " 
HAGGITH. Img'sith. 
HALLELUIAH,''hal-le-loo' 

yah. 
HAM, hamm'. 
HAMAN. hay'man. 
HAMATH, hav'math. 
HAMMEDATHA, ham- 

me-day'tha, or ham-med' 

a-thah. 
HAMON-GOG, hay'mon- 

Gogg'. 
HAMOR, hay'mor. 
HAMUTAL, ham-ew'tal 



HANOCH, hay'nok. 
HANUN, hay'nun. 
HARAN, hay'ran. 
HARBONAH, har-bo'nah. 
HAROD, hav'rod. 
H AROSHETH, har'o-sheth 
HASHMONAH, hash-mo' 

nah. 
HATACH, hay'tak. 
HAVILAH, hav'e-lah. 
HAVOTH-JAIR, hay'voth- 

HAZAEL, haz'a-el. 
HAZARMAVETH, hay' 

zar-]May'veth. 
HAZELELPONI, hay'zel- 

el-po'ny. 
HAZEROTH, haz-ee'rotb.- 
HAZOR, hay'zor. 
HEBER, hee'ber. 
HEBREWS, hee'brews. 
HEBRON, hee'bron. 
HEGAI, heg'a'i, or he-gay'i, 
HEGE, heg'ee. 
HELAM, he'lam. 
HELBON, hel'bon. 
HELDAI, heUday'i, or hel' 

da-i. 
HELI, he'ly. 
HELKATH-HAZURIM, 

hel'kath-Haz'zu-rira. 
HEMAN, he'man. 
HEN, henn'. 

HEPHZI-BAH, hefze-bah, 
HERMES, her'mes. 
HERMOGENES, her-moj' 

e-nes. 
HERMON. her'mon. 



HANAMEEL, han-am'e-el.JHERMONlTES, her'mon^ 
HANANEEL, han-an'e-el. I ites. 



HYM. 



IVA. 



403 



HEROD, her'rod. 
HERODIANS,he-ro'de-ans 
HERODIAS, he-ro'de-as. 
HERODION, he-ro'de-on. 
HESHBON, hesh'bon. 
HETH, heth'. 
HETHLON, heth'lon. 
HEZEKIAH, hez-e-ky'ah. 
HEZRON, hez'ron. 
HIDDEKEL, hid'de-kel, or 

hid-dee'kel. 
KIEL, hy'el. 
HIERAPOLIS, hy-er-ap' 

po-lis. 
HIGGAION, hig-gay'yon,or 

hig-gay'e-on. 
HILKIAH, hil-ky'ah. 
HILLEL, hil'lel. 
HINNOM, hin'nom. 
HIRAM, hy'ram. 
HITTITES, hit'tytes. 
HIVITES, hy'vytes. 
HOBAB, ho'bab. 
HOB AH, bo'bah. 
HOG LA e, hoir'lah. 
HOPHNI, hoff'ni. 
HOR, horr'. 
HOREB, ho'reb. 
HOR-HAGIDGAD,hor-ha- 

gidd'ifad. 
HORMAH, bor'mah. 
HORONAIM, hor-o-nay'im 
HORONITE, hor'o-nyte 
HOSEA, ho-zee'a. 
HOSHEA, bo-shee'a. 
HUL, bull'. 
HULDAH, hul'dah. 
HUR, burr'. 
HUSHAI, hew'shay. 
HUZZAB, huz'zab. 
HYMENEUS, hy-men 

ee'us. 



I. 

IBHAR, ibb'har. 
ICHABOD, ik'a-bod. 
ICONIUM, i-ko'ne-um. 
IDDO, id'doe. 
IDUMEA, Id-ew-mee'a. 
IGDALIA, ig-da-ly'a. 
IJON, i'jon. 

n^LYRICUM, il-lir're-kum. 
IMLAH, im'lah. 
IMMANUEL, im-man'ew-el 
INDIA, in'de-a. 
IPHEDEI AH,if-fe-dy'ah, or 

if-fe-dee'ah. 
IRA, i'rah. 
IRAD, i'rad. 
IRIJAH, i-ry'jah. 
ISAAC, i'zak. 
ISAIAH, i-zay'yah, or i-zay' 

e-ah. 
ISC AH, is'kah. 
ISCARIOT, is-kar're-ot, 
ISHBAK, ish'bak. 
ISHBI-BENOB,ish'by-Bee' 

nob. 
ISH-BOSHETH, ish'bo- 

sheth. 
ISHMAEL, ish'ma-el. 
ISHMAELITES, ish'ma-el- 

ites. 
ISRAEL, is'ra-el. 
ISRAELITES, is'ra-el-ites. 
ISSACHAR, is'sa-kar, 
ITALIAN, i-taFe-an. 
ITALY, it'ta-le. 
ITHAMAR, ith'a-mar, or 

ith-ay'mar. 
ITHIEL, itb'e-el. 
ITHREAM, ith're-am. 
ITUREA, it'u-ree-a. 
IVAH, i'vah. 



404 



JEH. 



JES. 



JAALAM, ja-ay'lam. 
JAAZANIA, ja-az-a-ny'ah. 
JABAL, jay'bal. 
JABBOK, jab'bok. 
JABESH^ jay'besh. 
JABESH-GILEAD, jay' 

besh-Gil'e-ad. 
JABEZ, jay'bez. 
JABIN, jay'bin. 
JABNEEL, jab'ne-el. 
JACHIN, jay'kin. 
JACOB, jay'kob. 
JAEL, jay'el. 
JAH, jah'. 
JAHAZ, jay'haz. 
JAHAZA, ja-hay'za, 
JAIR, jay'er. 
JAIRUS, jay'e-rus. 
JAMBRES,jam'bres. 
JAMES, jay'mz. 
JANNA, jan'nah. 
JANNES, jan'nez. 
JAPHETH,jay'fet. 
JAPHIAH, ja-fy'ah. 
JAREB, jay'reb. 
JARED, jay'red. 
JASHER, jay'sher. 
JASON, jay'son. 
JAVAN, jay'van, 
JAZER, jay'zer. 
JEBUS,je'bus. 
JEBUSITES, jeb'ew-sytes. 
JECONIAH, jek-o-ny'ah. 
JEDlDIAH,jed-e-dy'ah. 
JEDUTHUN, jed-ew'thun. 
JEGAR-SAHADUTHA, 

je'gar-say-ha-dew'tha. 
JEHOAHAZ, je-ho'a-haz, 

or je-ho-ay'haz. 
JEHOASH, je-ho'ash. 
JEHOIACHIN je-hoy'a-kin JESSE, jes'se, 



JEHOIADA, je-hoy'a-dah. 
JEHOIAKIM, je-boy'a-kim 
JEHONADAB, je-hon'na- 

dab. 
JEHORAM, je-ho'ram. 
JEHOSHAPHAT, je-hosh' 

a-fat. 
JEHOVAH, ie-ho'vah. 
JEHOVAH-JIREH, je-ho' 

vah-Ji'rey. 
JEHOVAH-NISSI, je-ho' 

vab-Nis'sy. 
JEHOVAH-SHALOM, je- 

ho'vah-Shay'lom, or Shal' 

lom. 
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH, 

je-bo'vah-Sbam'mah. 
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU, 

je-ho'vah-Tsid'ke-nu. 
JEHU, je'hew. 
JEHUDIJAH, je-hew-dy' 

jah. 
JEMIMA, je-my'mah. 
JEPHTHAH,jef'thah. 
JEPHUNNEH, je-fun'ney. 
JERAH,je'rah. 
JERAHMEEL, je-rahm' 

me-el, or jer-am-me'el. 
JEREMIAH, jer-re-my'ah. 
JERICHO, jer're-ko. 
JERIMOTH, jer'ri-moth. 
JEROBOAM, jer-o-bo'am. 
JERUBB AAL, je-rub'ba-al 
JERUBBESHETH, je- 

rub'be-sheth. 
JERUSALEM, je-ru'sa-lem 
JERUSHA, je-ru'sha. 
JESHIMON, jesh'e-men. 
JES UA,jesh'u-a. 
JESHURUN, jesh'u-run, vr 

jesh-ew'run. 



JOS. 



KIR. 



405 



JESUI, jes'u'i. 
JESUIT ES, jes'u-ites, 
JESUS, jee'sus. 
JETHEfl,jee'ther. 
JETHROJeth'ro. 
JETUR, jee'tur. 
JEUSH,jee'ush, 
JEW, jew'. 
JEWS, jew'z. 
JEWISH, jew'ish. 
JEW RY, jew're. 
JEZEBEL, jez'e-bel. 
JEZRAHlAH,jez-ra-hy'ah 
JEZREEL, jez're-el, 

jez-ree'el. 
JEZREELITE, jez're-el 

ite, or jez-ree'el-ite, 
JIDLAPH, jid'laf. 
JOAB, jo'ab. 
JO AH, jo'ah. 
JOANNA, jo-an'na. 
JOASH,jo'ash. 
JOB,jo'be. 

JOCHEBED.jok'ke-bed. 
JOEL, jo'el. 
JOEZER,jo-ee'zer. 
JOHA, jo'hah. 
JOHANAN, jo-hay'nan. 
JOHN,jon'. 
JOKSHAN, jok'shan. 
JOKTAN, jok'tan. 
JONADAB,jon'a-dab. 
JONAH, jo'aah. 
JONAS, jo'nas. 
JONATHAN, jon'a-than. 
JOPPA, jop'pah. 
JORAM, jo'ram. 
JORDAN, jor'dan. 
JORIM, jo'rim. 
JOSE, jo'se. 
JOSEPH, jo'sef. 
JOSES, jo'sez. 
35 



JOSHUA, josh'u-a. 
JOSIAH, jo-sy'ah. 
JOTHAM, jo'tham. 
JUBAL,jew'bal. 
JUBILEE, jew'be-lee. 
JUDAH, jevv'dah. 
JUDAS, jewMas. 
JUDE, jew'd. 
JUDEA, jew-dee'a. 
JULIA, jew'le-a. 
JULILTS, jew'le-us. 
JUNIA, jew'ne-a. 
JUPITER, jew'pe-ter. 
or JUSTUS, jus'tus. 
K. 
KABZEEL, kab'ze-el. 
KADESH, kay'desh. 
KADESH-BARNEA, kay' 
desh-Bar'ne-a, orkay'desh- 
Bar-nee'ah. 
KEDAR, kee'dar. 
KEDEVIAH, ked'de-raaU. 
KEDEMOTH, ked'de- 

moth. 
KEILAH, ky'lah. 
KEMUEL, kem'u-el 
KENAZ, kee'naz. 
KENITES, kee'nites. 
KEREN-HAPPUCH, kee' 

ren-Hap'puk. 
KER[OTH, ker're-oth. 
KETUKAH, ke-tew'rah. 
KEZIA, ke-zy'ah. 
KEZIZ, kee'ziz. 
KIBROTH-HATTAA- 

VAH, kib'roth-Hat-tay' 

a-vah. 
KIDRON, kid'ron. 
KIR, kirr'. 
KIR-HARASETH, kir- 

Har'ra-seth. 
KIRJATH, kir'jath. 



k.i 



406 



LEV. 



MAH. 



KIRIATHAIM, kir'e-ath-|LIBNAH, lib'uah. 

ayim. LIBNI, lib'ny. 

KIRJATH-ARBA,kir'jath- LIBYA, lib'e-a. 



Ar'bah 

KIRJATH-ARIM, ki^jath- 
Ay'rim. 



KIRJATH-BAAL kir'jath-LOIS, lo'is. 



LIBYANS, lib'e-ans. 
LINUS, ly'nus. 
LO-AMMI, lo-Am'niy, 



Bay'al. 
KIRJATH-JEARIM, kir 

jath-Je'a-rim. 
RIRJATH-SANNAH, kir 

jath-San'nah. 
KIRJATH-SEPHER, kir' 

iath-See'fer. 
KlSH, kish'. 
KITTIM,kit'tim. 
KOHATH,ko'hath. 
KOHATHITES, ko'hath- 

ites< 
KORAH, ko'rah. 

L. 
LAB AN, lay'ban. 
LACHISH, lay'kish- 
LAHMI, lah'ray. 
LAlSH,lay'isb. 
LAMECH, lay'inek. 
LAODICEA, lay-o-de-see'a 
LAODICEANS, lay-o-de 

see'ans- 
LAPIDOTH, lap'pe-doth. 
LAZARUS, laz'za-rus. 
LEAH, lee'ah. 
LEBANON, leb'ba-non. . 
LEBBEUS, leb-bee'us. 
LEGION, lee'jun, or lee'ge- 

on. 
LEHABIM, le'ha-bim, or 

lee-hay'bim. 
LEHI, le'hy. 
LEMUEL, lem'ew-el. 
LEVI, lee'vy. 
LEVITES, lee'vites. 



LO- HUH AM AH, lo-Roo- 

hay'mab. or lo-Roo'hay- 

raah. 
LOT, lott'. 
LUCAS, loo'kas. 
LUCIFER, Ico'se-fer. 
LUCIUS, loo'she-us 
LUKE, look', 
LUZ, luzz^ 

LYCAONIA, ly-ka-o'ne-a. 
LYDDA, lid'dab. 
LYSANIAS, ly-say'ne-as. 
LYSTRA, lis'trah. 

M. 
MA AC HAH, may'a- kab, 

or ma-ay'kah. 
MAASEIAH, ma-a-sy'ah,or 

ma-a-see'e-ah. 
MACEDONIA, mas-se-do' 

ne-a. 
MACHIR, rr.ay'kir. 
MACHPELAH. mak-pee' 

lab. 
MAGDALA, mag'da-lah. 
MAGDALENE, mag'da- 



le' 



ne. 



MAGOG, may'gog. 
MAGOR-M ISSABIB, may' 

gor-Mis'sa-bib. 
MAHALALEEL, may-ha- 

lal'e-el, or may-ba-lalee'el. 
MAHALATH, may'a-latb, 

or mahay'lath. 
MAHANAIM,ma-ha-nay'im 
MAHER-SHALAL-HASH- 



MEG. 



MET. 



407 



BAZ, may'er-Shal'al- 

Hash'baz. 
MAHLAH. mab'lah. 
MAHLON, mah'lon. 
M A KKED AH, mak'ke-dah, 

or mak-kee'dah. 
MALACHI, inal'a-ky. 
MALCHAM, inal'kam. 
MALCHISHUA, mal-ke. 

shew'ah. 
MALCHUS, mal'kus. 
MAMMON, mam'mon. 
MAM RE, raara're. 
M ANAEN,maii'a-en, or ma- 

nav'en. 
MANASSEH, man-as'seh. 
MANEH, may'neh. 
MA NO AH, ma-no'ah. 
MAON, may'on. 
MARA, may'ra. 
MARAH, may'rah. 
MARCUS, mar'kus. 
MARK, raa'rk. 
MARS-HILL, mars'Hill. 
MARTHA mar'tha. 
MARY, may're. 
MASREKAH, mas'rekah. 
MASS AH, mas'sah. 
MATRI, may'try. 
MATT AN, mat'tan. 
MATTATHIAS, inat-ta- 

thy'as. 
MATTHAT, mat'that. 
MATTHEW, math'yew. 
MATTHIAS, ma-thy'as.. 
MAZZAROTH, raaz'za- 

roth. 
MEDAD, mee'dad. 
MED AN, mee'dan. 
MED1<:S, mee'ds. 
MEDIA, mee'de-a. 
MEGIDDO, me-gid'do. 



MEGIDDON, me'gid-don. 
MEHETABEL, me-het'ta- 

bel. 
MEHUJAEL, me-hew' 

ja-el. 
MELCHI, mel'kv. 
MELCHlZEDEK,mel-kiz' 

ze-dek. 
MELITA, me-ly'ta, or me- 

MEMPHrS, mem'fis, 
MEMUCAN, me-mew'kan. 
MENAHEM, men'na-hem. 
MENE, mee'ne. 
ME PH IBOSHET H,me-fiV 

bo-sheth. 
MERAB, raee'rab. 
MARARI, ijie-ray'ry, or 

mer'a-ry. 
MERCURIUS, iner-kew're- 

us. 

MERIBAH, mer're-bah. 
MERIB-BAAL, mei'ib- 

Bay'al, or meMb'ba-al. 
MERODACH, me-io'dak, 

or nier'ro-dak. 
MEROD AC H-B ALA- 
DAN, bal'la-dan, or ba^ 

lay'dan. 
MEROM, mee'rom, 
MEROZ, Mee'roz. 
MESHACH, mee'shak% 
MESHECH, mee'shek. 
MESHELEMIAH, mesh- 

el-e-my'ab. 
MESOPOTAMIA, mes-o- 

po-tay'me-a. 
MESSIAH, mes-sy'ah. 
ME THEG-AMMAH, mee' 

tbeg-Am'mah. 
METHUSAEL, me-thew' 

sa-el. 



408 



MOS. 



NEB. 



METHUSELAH, me-thew' 

se-!ah. 
MICAH, my'kah. 
MICAIAH, my-kay'yah, or 

my-kay'e-ah. 
MICHAIAH, the same. 
MICHAEL, my'ka-e-el. 
MICHAL, my'kal. 
MIC HM ASH, mik'mash. 
MIDIAN, mid'de-an. 
MIDIANITES, mid'de-an- 

ites. 
MIDIANITISH, mid-de-a- 

ny'tish. 
MIGRON, mig'ron. 
MILCAH, mil'kah. 
MILCOM, mil'kom. 
MILETUM, rny-lee'tum, or 

me-lee'turn. 
MILLO, mil'lo. 
MINNI, rain'nv. 
MINNITH, muVnith. 
MIRIAM, mir're-am. 
MISHAEL, mish'a-el, or 

my-shay'el. 
MISREPHOTH-MAIM, 

mis're-foth-May'im. 
MITYLENE, mil-e4ee'ne 
MIZAR. rny'zar. 
MIZPAH, miz/pah. 
MIZPEH, miz'peh. 
MIZRAIM, miz'ra-im. 
MNASON, nay 'son. 
MOAB, mo'ab. 
MOABITES, mo'ab-ites. 
MOL ADA H, nio-lay'dah, or 

mol'a-dah. 
MOLECH, molek. 
MOLOCH, mo'lok. 
MORDECAI, mor'de-kay 
MORIAH, mo-ry'ah. 
MOSEROTH, mo-see'roth. 



MOSES, mo'zez, or mo'zes. 
MUSHI, mew'shy. 
MYRA, my 'rah. 
MYSIA, mish'e-a. 

N. 

NAAMAH, nay'a-mah. 
NAAMx\N, nay'a-man, or 

na-ay'man. 
NAAMATHITE,nay'a-ma- 

thite, or na-av'rna-thite. 
NAASHON, na-ash'on. 
NAASSON, na-ass'on. 
NABAL, nay'bal. 
NABOTH, nay'both. 
NADAB, nay'dab. 
NAGGE, nag'gee. 
NAHAMANl, na-hanx'an- 

NAHUM, nay'um. 
NAIN, nay'in. 
NAIOTH, nay'oth. 
NAOMI, nay-o'my. 
NAPHISH, nay'fish. 
NAPHTALI, naf'ta-ly. 
NARCISSUS, nar-sis'sus. 
NATHAN, nay'chan. 
NATHANAEL, na-than' 

ay -el. 
NATHAN-MELECH,nay' 

than-Me'lek. 
NAUM, nay'um. 
NAZARENE, naz-a-ree'n. 
NAZARETH, naz'a-reth. 
NAZARITES, naz'a-rites. 
NEAPOLIS, ne-ap'po-lis. 
NEBAIOTH, ne-bay'oth. 
NEBAT, nee'bat. 
NEBO, nee'bo. 
NEBUCHA DNEZZAR, 

neb-ew-kad-nez'zar. 
NEBUZAR-ADAN, neb- 

ew-zar'ra-dan. 



NYM. 



PAR. 



409 



NECHO, nee'ko. 
NEHELAMITE, ne-hel'a- 

myte. 
NEHEMIAH, ne-he-my'ah 
NEHUSHTA, ne-hush'tah. 
NE H US HT AN,ne-hush'tan 
NEMUEL, nem-ew'el. 
NEPHEG, nee'feg. 
NEPHLSHESIM, nef-ish'e- 

sirn. 
NER, neiV. 
NEREUS, nee're-us, 
Neri, riee'ry. 
NERIAH, ne-ry'ah. 
NE rHANEEL,ne-than'ne- 

el. 

NE THANIA, neth-a-ny'ah. 
NETHINIMS, neth'e-nims. 
NIBHAZ, nib'haz. 
NICANOR, ny-kay'nor,. 
NICODEMUS, nik-o-de& 

mus. 
NICOLAITANS, nik-o-lay' 

p~t3.nz 
NICOLAS, nik'o-las. 
NICOPOLIS, ny-kop'po-lis 
NIGER, ny'jer. 
NIMRIM, niiu'rim. 
NIMROD, nirn'rod. 
NIMSHI, nim'shy. 
NINEVEH' nin'ne-veh. 
NINEVITES, nln'ne-vites 
NISAN, ny'san. 
NISROCH, nis'rok. 
NOADIAH, no-a-dy'ah. 
NOAH, no'ah. 
NOB, nobb'. 
NOB AH, no'bah. 
NOD, nodd'. 
NOPH, nofF. 
NUN, nunn'. 
NYMPHAS, nim'fas. 
35* 



O. 

OBADIAH, ob-a-dy'ah. 
OBAL, o'bal, 
OBEO, o'bed. 
08ED-EDJM, o'bed-Ee' 

doin. 
OBIL,o'bil. 
OCRAN, ok'ran. 
ODED, o'ded. 
OG, o^g'. 
OHEL, o'hel. 
OLYMPAS, o-lim'pas. 
OMAR, o'.nar. 
OMEGA, o-mee'ga. 
OMRI, oin'fi. 
ON AN, o'lian. 
ONESlxMUS, o-nes'se-mus. 
ONESIPHORUS, on-ne- 

sifforrus. 
OPHEL, o'fel. 
OPHIR, o'fir. 
OPHRAH, ofFrah. 
OREB. o'reb. 
ORION, o-ry'on. 
ORNAN, or'nan. 
ORPAH, or'pah. 
OTHNI, oth'ny. 
OTHNIEL,oth'ne-el. 
OZEM, o'zern. . 

OZIAS, o-zy'as. 

P, 
PAARAl, pay'a-ray, 
PADAN-ARAM, pay'dan- 

Ay 'ran;?. 
PAGIEL. pay'je-el. 
PALESriNA, pal-es-ty'na. 
PALTI, pal'ty. 
PAMPHYLLA, pam-fil'Ie-a. 
PAPHOS, pay'fos. 
PARAN, pay'ran. 
PARBAR, par'bar. 
PARMENAS, par'me-na.?. 



410 



PHA. 



POT. 



PAROSH, pay'rosh. ' 

PARSHANDATHA, par- 

slian'da-tha. 
PARTHIAJNS, par'the-ans. 
PARUAH. pa-rew'ah, or 

par'u-ah. 
PASHUR, pash'ur. 
PATARA, pat'ta-rah, 

pa-tav'rah. 
PATHROS, path'ros, 

pav'thros. 
PATMOS, pat'mos. 
PATROBAS. pai'ro-bas. 
PAU. pay'ew. 
PALL, paw'L 
PALLLS, pavv'Ius 
PEDAHZLR 

or ped'a-zur. 



PHAREZ, fay'rez, 
PHARPAR, fai'par. 
PHASEAH, fay'se-ah. 
PHEBE, fee'be. 
PlriEISlCE, fe-ny'se. 
PHICHOL, fy'kol. 
PHILADELPHIA, fil-a- 

Qp]/fp_g 

PHILEM CN, 61-ee'mon, or 

fy-lee'n,on. 
PHILEILS, fil-ee'tus, or 

fy-lee'tus. 
PHILIP, fil'lip. 
PHiLlPPI, fil-lip'py. 
PHILISTIA, fil-lis'te-a, w 

fy-lis'te-a 
ped-ah'zur, PHILISI L\ES, fil-lis'tines, 

or fy-lis'tins. 



or 



or 



PEDAIAH, ped-ay'yah, orPHILOLOGUS, fil-lol'lo 

gus. 



PHILOSOPHERS, fe-los' 

so-furz. 



ped-ay'e-ah 
PLKAH,pe'kah. 
PEKAHiAH, pek-a-hy'ah. 

PELATIAh , pel-a-ty'ah. PHINEH AS, fin'ne-has, 
PELEG, pe'leg. iPHLEGON, fle'gou. 

PELETHITES, pePeth-ites PHRYGIA, frij'e-a. 
PEMEL, pe-ny'eL - [PHLRAH. few'rah. 

PEININNAH, pe-nin'nahJPHIGELLLS, A'jel-lus. 



PEMLEL, pe-new'el. 
PtOR, pee'or. 
PEKGA, per'gah. 
PERGAMOS, per'ga-mos. 
PERlZZlTES,per'iz-zytes 

or pe-riz'zytes. 
PERSIA, per'she-a. 
PER SIS, per'sis. 
PETER, pee'ter. 
PLIHLEL, pe-tbew'el. 
PHALEC, fay'lek. 
PHALLU, fal'loo. 
PHALTI, fal'ty. 
PHANUEL, fa-new'el. 
PHARAOH, fay'ro. 



PI-HAHIROTH,py-ha-hy' 

roth. 
PILATE, py'lat. 
PllNOIN, py'non. 
PIRAIRON, pir'a-thon. 
PISGAH, pis'gah. 
PISIDIA, py-sid'e-a. 
PISOIN, py'son. 
PlTHO]\],py'thom. 
PITEON, py'tlion. 
POKTILS, pon'she-us. 
PON^ILS, pon'tus. 
PORATHA, por'a-tha. 
PORCIUS, poi^she-us. 
POTIPHAR, pot'te-far. 



RAP. 



RIS. 



411 



POTI-P HERA H, pot-e-fee' 

rah, oj- pot-iPfe-rah. 
PRISCA, pris'kah. 
PRISCILLA, pris-siWah. 
PROCHORUS, prok'o-rus. 
PUBLIUS, pub'le-us. 
PUD ENS, pew'dens. 
PUL, pu'll, 
PUNON, pew'non. 
PUR, purr'. 

PUTEOLI, pew-tee'o-ly. 
PUTIEL, pew'te-el. 

Q. 

QUARTUS, qwaw'r-tus. 

R. 
RAAMAH, ray'a-mah, or 

ra-av'mah. 
RABBAH, rab'bah. 
RA BBI, rab'by. 
RAB-MAG, rab'mag. 
RAB SARIS, rab'sa-ris. 
RAB-SHAKEH, rab'sha- 

keh. 
R AC HAL, ray'kal. 
RACHEL, ray'tshel. 
RAi[JAU, ray'gaw. 
RAGUEL, rag^ew'el. 
RAHAB, ray'hab. 
RAKKATH, rak'kath. 
RAKKON, rak'kon, 
RAM, ramm'. 
RAMAH, ray'mah. 
RAMATH, ray'math. 



RAMATHAIM-ZOPHIM 

ray-niath-ay'im-Zo'fim. 
RAMATH-LEHI, ray' 

math-Lee'hy. 
RAMESES, ra-me'ses, or 

rarn'e-ses. 
RAMOTH, ray'moth. 
RAPHA, ray'fa. 
RAPHU, ray'few. 



REBA, ree'bah. 
REBEKAH, re-bek'kah. 
RECHAB, re'kab. 
RECHABITES,re'kab-ites. 
RKGEM, re'gera, or re'jera. 
REGEM-MELECH, re- 

gem'iiie-lek, or re'jem-Me' 

lek. 
REHABIAH, re-ha-by'ah. 
RE HOB, re'hob. 
R E HOBO AM ,re-ho-bo'am. 
REHOBOTH, re-ho'both, 

or re'ho-both. 
REHUM, ree'hum. 
REI, ree'i. 

REMALIAH, rem-a-ly'ah. 
REMMON, rem'mon. 
REMPHAN, rem'fan. 
REPHAEL, re'fa-el. 
REPHAIM, ref'a-im, or re- 
fa y'im. 
REPHAIMS, refa-ims, or 

re-fay'ims. 
REPHIDIM, refe-dim, or 

re-fy'(lirn. 
RESIN, ree'sen. 
REU, ree'ew. 
REUBEN, rew'ben. 
REUBENITES, rew'ben- 

ites. 
REUEL, re-yew'el. 
REUMAH, re-yew'mah. 
REZIN, ree'zin. 
REZON, ree'zon. 
RHEGIUM, ree'je-um. 
RHESA, ree'sah. 
RHODA, ro'dah. 
RHODES, ro'des. 
RH5LAH, rib'lah. 
RIMMON, rim'inon. 
JRH'HATH, ry'fath. 
IRISSAH, ris'sah. 



412 



SAR. 



POT. 



RIZPAH, riz'pah. 
ROISIAMTI-EZER, ro- 

niani-te-ee'zer. 
ROMAN, ro'man. 
ROME, roo'm. 
ROSH. rosh'. 
RUFUS, roo'fus. 
RUHAMAH, loo-hay'mah. 
RUMAH, roo'mah. 
RUTH, roo'th. 
S. 
SABEANS, sab-ee'ans. 
SABTA, sab'tah. 
SABTECHA, sab'te-kah. 
SADOC, say'dok. 
SALAH, say'lah. 
SALAMIS, sal'la-mis. 
SALATHlEL,sal-ay'the-el. 
SALEM, say'lem. 
SALI.M, say'lim. 
SALMON, sai'mon. 
SAL.MONE, sal-mo'ne. 
SALOME, sa-lo'me. 
SA]\L4RL\, sa-may're-a. 
SA]\L\RITANS, sa-mar're- 

tans. 
SAMLAH, sam'lah. 
SAMOS. say'mos. 
SAMOTHRACIA, sam-o- 

thray'sbe-a 
SA]MSON, sam'son. 
SAMUEL, sam'ew-el. 
SAN BALL AT, san-ballat. 
SAPH, saff'. 

SAPHFR, saf6r, or sav'fir, 
SAPPHIRA, saf-fy'rah. 
SARAH, say'rah. 
SARAL say'ray. 
SARDIS, sar'dis. 
SAREPTA, sa-rep'tah. 
SARGON, sar'gon. 
SARON, say'ron. 



SARSECHIM, sar-see'kim. 
SARUCH, say'ruk. 

SATAN, say'tan. 
SAUL, saw'l. 
SCEVA, see'vah. 
SCYTHIAN, sith'e-an. 
SEBA, see'bah. 
SEBAT, see'bat. 
SEGUB, see'gub. 
SEIR, see'ir. 

SELEL^CIA, se-le\v'she-a. 
SE M EI, se-mee'i, or sem'me-i 
SENEH,see/neh. 
SENNACHERIB, sen-nak' 

ke-iib. 
SEP HAR VAIM,sef-ar-vay' 

iin. 
SERAH, see'rah. 
SERAI AH, se-ray'yah, or 

se-ra-i'ah. 
SERGIUS-PAULUS, ser' 

je-u=-Pa\v'lus. 
SERUG, see'rug. 
SETH, setb'. 

SHAALBDI, sbav-alb'im. 
SHAARAIM, shay-a-ra'y- 

im. 
SHAASHGAZ, shay-ash' 

gaz. 

SHADRACH, shay'drak. 
SHALIM, sbay'liin. 
SHALISHA, shaHe-sha. 
SHALLUM, shal'lum. 
SHALMAN, shal'man. 
SHALMANEZER, shal- 

ma-iiee'zer. 
SHAINIGAR, sham'gar. 
SHAM HUT H, sham'huth. 
SHAMIR, shay'mir. 
SHAMMAH, sham'mah. 
SHAjMMUAH, sham'mew, 

ah, or sham-Kiew'ah. 



SHE. 



SIN. 



41S 



SHAPHAN, shay'fan. 
SHAPHAT, sbay'fat. 
SHARAI, shay-ray'i,or shar' 

a-i. 
SHAREZER, shar-ee'zer. 
AHARON, shay 'ion. 
SHASHAK, shay'shak. 
S,HAVEH, shay'veb. • 
SHEALTIEL, she-al'te-el. 
SHEARIAH, she-a-ry'ah. 
SHEAR-JASHUB, she'ar- 

jay'shub. 
SHEBA, sbee'bah, 
SHEB A NI A H ,sbeb-a-ny'ah 
SHEBNA, sbeb'nab. 
SHECHEM. shee'kem. 
§HEDEUR, sbee'de-ur, or 

shed'e-ur. 
SHELAH, shee'lah; 
SHELEMIAH, sbel-le-my' 

ab. 
SHELEPH, sbee'lef. - 
SHELOMITH, shel'o-mith 
SHELUMIEL, sbel-ew-my' 

el, or shee-loo'me-el. 
SHEM, sbem'. 
SHEMAIAH, she-ma-i'ab, 

or sbem-ay'yah. 
SHEMEBER, sbee'me-ber, 

or shem'me-ber. 
SHEMER, shee'mer. 
SHEMIDA, sbe-my'dah. 
SHEMI]VITH,sbem'me-nith 
SHEMIRAMOTH,she-mli' 

ra-motb. 
SHEN, sbenn'; 
SHENIR, sbee'nir. 
SHEPHATIAH, shef-a-ty' 

ah. 
SHESHA(^-H, shee'shak. 
SHESHBAZZAR, shesb- 

baz'zar. 



SHETHER-BOZNAI, 

sbee'tber-Boz'na-i. 
SHEVA, sbee'vab. 
SHIBBOLETH, shib'bo- 

leth. 
SHICRON, sby'kron. 
SHIGGAION,shig-gay'yon. 
SHILOAH, sby-b'ab. 
SHILOM, sby'loh. 
SHILONITE, sby'lo-nyte. 
SHIMEAH, sbim'me-ah. 
SHIMEI, sbim'me-i. 
SHIMS HAI,sbim'shay. 
SHINAR, sby'nar. 
SHIPHRAH,sbif'rah. 
SHISHAK, shy'shak. 
SHITTlM,sbiftim. 
SHOBAB, sho'bab. 
SHOBACH, sbo'bak, 
SHUAH,shoo'ah. 
SHUAL, sboo'al. 
SHUHITE, sboo'liite. 
SHULAMlTE,slioo'la-myte 
SHUNEM, sboo'nem. 
SHUPPIM, shup'pim. 
SHUR, shuiT'. 
SHUSH AN, shoo'sban. 
S HUTH ELA H,sboo'the-lah 
SIBMAH, sib'mah. 
SI DON, sy'don. 
SIGIONOTH, sig-gy'o-noth 
SIHON, sy'hon. 
SIHOR, sy'bor. 
SILAS, s)''las. 
SILO AM, sy-lo'am, or si'lo* 

am. 
SILO AS, sy'lo-as, or sil'o-as 
SILOE, sy-lo'e, or sil'o-e. 
SILVANUS, sil-vay'nus, 
SIMEON, sim'e-on. 
SIMON, sy'mon, 
SIN, sinn'. 



414 



TAA. 



TER. 



SINAI, sy'nay, or sy'nay-i. 
SIGN, sy'on. 
SIRION, sir're-on. 
SISERA, sis'se-rah. 
SIVAN, sy'van. 
SMYRNA, smir'nah. 
SO, so'. 

SOCOH, so'ko. 
SODI, so'dy. 
SODOM, sod'dom. 
SODOMITES, sod'dom- 

ites. 
SOF.OMON, soWo-mon. 
SOPATER. so-pay'ter, or 

sop'pa-ter. 
SOREK, so'rek. 
SOSIPATER, so-se-pay'ter 

or so-sip'pa-ter. 
SOSTHENES, sos'the-nes 
SPAIN, spa'ne. 
STACHYS, stay'kis. 
STEPHANAS, stef'fa-nas 
STEPHEN, stee'v-en. 
SUCCOTH, siik'koth. 
SUCCOTH-BENOTH, 

suk'koth-Be'nolh. 
SUR, surr'. 

SUSANNA, su-san'nah. 
SUSI, su'sy. 
SYCHAR, sy'kar. 
SYENE, sy-ee'ne. 
SYNTYCHE, sin'tp-ke. 
SYRACUSE, sir'ra-kewse. 
SYRIA, sir'ie-a. 
SYRIAC, sir're-ak. 
SYRIAN, sir're-an. 
SYRIANS, sir're-ans. 
SYROPHENICIAN, sy- 

ro-fe'iiish'e-an. 
T. 
TAANACH, ta-ay'nak, or 

tay'a-nak. 



TAANAH-SHILOH,ta-ay' 

nab-shy'loh. 
TABBATH, tab'bath. 
TABEAL, tay'be-al, or tab' 

ee-al. 
TABEEL, tay'be-el, or taV 

ee'el. 
TABERAH, tab-ee'rah, or 

tab'e-rab. 
TABITHA, tab'e-tha. 
TABOR, tay'bor. 
TABRlMON, tab're-mon. 
TADMOR, tad'mor. 
TAHAPANES, ta-hap'pa- 

nes. 
TAHPENES, tab'pe-nes. 
TALITHA-CUMI, taWe- 

tha-Kew'rny. 
TALMAI, tal'inay. 
TAMAR, ta'mar. 
TAMMUZ, tam'muz. 
TANHUMETH, tan-hew' 

rnetb, or tan'hu-meth. 
TAPHATH, tay'fath. 
T A RPELITES,tar'pe-lytes 
TARSHISH, tar'shish, 
'['ARSUS, tar'sus. 
TARTAR, tar'tak, 
TARTAN, tar'tan. 
TATNAI, tat'nay. 
TEBAH, tee'bah. 
TEBETH, tee'beth. 
TEKEL, tee'kel. 
TEKOA, te-ko'ah. 
TEL-HARSA, tel-har'sah. 
TEL-MELA H, tel-mee'lah, 

ortel'me-lah. 
TEMA, tee'niah, 
TEMAN, tee'man. 
TEMANITE, tee'man-ite. 
TERAH.tee'rah. 
TERAPHIM, terta-fim. 






TOG. 



NAS. 



415 



thes- 



thes- 



TERTIUS, ter'she-us. 
TERTULLUS, ter-tul'lus 
TETRARCH, tet'rark, or 

THADDEUS, thad-dee'u: 
THAHASH, thay'hash. 
THAi\lAH,tliay'inah. 
THE8EZ,thee'bez. 
THELASAR, the-las'ar. 
THEOPHILUS, the-of'fe- 

lus 
THESSALONIANS 

sa-lo-ny'ans. 
THESSALONICA, 

salo-ny'kah. 
THEUDAS, thew'das. 
T MOM AS, tom'mas. 
THYATIRA, tliy-a-ty'rah. 
TIBERIAS, ti-bee're-as. 
TIBERIUS, ti-bee're-us. 
TIBNI, tib'ny. 
TIDAL, ty'dal. 
TIGLATH-PILESER, tig 

lath-Pi-lee'zer. 
TIMEUS, ti-mee'us. 
TIMNATH,tim'nath. 
TIM ON, ty'mon. 
TIMO THEUS, tim-mo'the- 

us. 
TIPHSAH,tlf''sah. 
TIRHAKAH, tir-hay'kah, 

or tir'ha-kah. 
TIRSHATHA, tir'sha-tha', 

or tir-shay'tha. 
TIRZAH, lii'zah. 
TISHBITE, tish'byte. 
TITUS, ty'tus. 
TOB, tobb'. 
TOB-ADONIJAH ,tob'Ad- 

o-ny'jah. 
TOBlAH,to-by'ah. 
TOGARMAH, to-gar'mah 



fTOHU, to'hew. 
TOI, to'i. 
TOLA, to'Ia, 
TOPHEL, to'fel. 
TOPHEr, to'fet. 
TROAS, tro'as. 
TROGYLLIUM, tro-jil'le- 

um. 
TROPHIMUS, troffe-mns. 
TRYPHENA, try-fee'nah. 
TRYPHOSA, try-fo'sah. 
TUBAL, tew'bal. 
TUBAL-CAIN, tew'bal- 

Kane, or Kay'in. 
TYCHICUS, tik'e-kus.' 
TYR ANNUS, ty-ran'nus. 
TYRE, tire'. 
TYRUS, ty'rus. 
U. 
UCAL, yew'kal. 
ULAI, yew'la-i, or yew-lay'i 
ULAM, yew'lam. 
ULLA, ul'lah. 
UNNI, un'ny. 
UPHAZ, yew'faz. 
UR,un''. 
URI, yew'ry. 
URIAH, yew-ry'ah. 
URIJAH, yew-ry'jah. 
URIEL, yew're-el. 
URIM and THUMMIM, 

yew'rim and thum'mim. 
UZ, uzz'. 
UZZAH, uz'zah. 
UZZEN-SHERAH,; uz' 

zen-Shee'rah. 
UZZI, uz'zy. 
UZZIAH, uz-zy'ah. 
UZZIEL, uz-cy'el. 
UZZIELITES,uz-zy'el-ite3 

V. 
VASHNI, vash'nv. 



416 



ZER. 



MUZ. 



VASHTI, vash'ty. 
VOPHSI, vof'sy. 

Z. 
ZABBAI, zab'ba-i. 
ZABDI, zab'dy. 
ZACCHEUS, zak-kee'us. 
ZACH ARIA H, za.ka-ry'ah 
ZADOK, zay'dok. 
ZAHAM, zay'ham. 
ZAIR, zay'ir. 
ZALMOiV, zal'mon. 
ZALMONAH, zal-mo'nah. 
ZALMUNNA, 
nah. 



ZERESH, zee'resh. 
ZEROR, zee'ror. 
ZERUAH, ze-roo'ah. 
ZERUBBABEL, ze-rub' 

ba-bel. 
ZERUIAH, zer-ew-i'ah. 
ZETHAR, zee'thar. 
ZIBA, zy'bah. 
ZIBEON, zib'be-on. 
ZIBIAH, zib-by'ah. 
ZICHRI, zik'ry. 
ZIDON, zy'don. 
zal-mun'ZIDONIANS, zy-do'ne-ans 
ZIF, ziiF. 



zam-ZIKLAG, zik'lag. 
ZILLAH, zil'lah. 
ZILPAH, zil'pah. 
ZIMRAN, zim'ran. 



ZAMZUMMIMS, 

zum'mims. 
ZANOAH, zan-no'ah. 
ZAPHNATH-PAANE 

AH,zaf'nath-Pay-a-nee'ah ZIMRI, zim'ry 
ZARAH,zay'rah. |ZIN, zinn'. 

ZAREPHATH, zar're-fath'ZIOxN, zy'on. 
ZEBADIAH, zeb-a-dy'ah.ZIOR, zy'or. 



ZIPH, ziff'. 
ZIPPOR, zip'por. 
ZIPPORAH, zip-po'rah. 
ZITHRI, zith'ry, 
ZIZ, zizz'. 



ZEBAH, zee'bah. 
ZEBEDEE, zeb'e-dee. 
ZEBOIM, ze-bo'im. 
ZEBUL. ze/bul. 
ZEBULUN, zeb'ew-lun. 
ZECHARIAH zek-ka-ry'ah ZOAN, zo'an. 
ZEDEKIAH, zed-de-ky'ah ZOAR, zo'ar. 
ZEEB, zee'eb. ZOBAH, zo'bah. 

ZELEK, zee'lek. ZOHAR, zo'har. 

ZELOPHEHAD, ze-lo'fe-ZOHELETH, zo-he'leth. 
ad. ZOPHAR, zo'far. 



ZELOTES, ze-lo'tes. 
ZELZAH, zel'zah. 
ZENAS, zee'nas. 
ZEPHANIAH,zef-fa-ny'ah 
ZEPHATH, zee'fath. 
ZEPHO, zee'fo. 
ZERAH, zee'rah. 
ZEREDAH, ze-ree'dah, or 
zer'e-dah. 



ZORAH, zo'rah. 
ZOROBABEL, zo-rob'ba- 

bel. 
ZUAR, zew'ar. 
ZUPH.zuff'. 
ZUR, zurr'. 
ZURISHADDAI, zew'ry] 

Shad'da-i. 
ZUZIMS, zew'zim®. 



THE JEWISH OFFEJIINGS, 417 

[0= The two following pages should have immediately followed 
the " Symbolical Language,'' (pages 368—384) but were crowded 
cut, with other matter, lest there should not be room for the Proper 

Names. 

The Jewish ofFerings may be divided into two general 
parts : namely, Gifts, where no life was taken ; and 
Sacrifices, in which the life of what was oflered was 
taken away: Heb. v. 1. The design of all offerings 
was, either to make an atonement for sin, thank God 
for favors received, or procure some new favor at his 
hand : while all of them pointed to the one great sacrifice 
the Messiah was to make in the offering up of himself: 
See Heb. x. 1 : Col. ii. 17 : and Rom. xii. 1. 

There were but five sorts of animals allowed to be 
offered up as sacrifices; namely, bullocks, sheep, 

GOATS, pigeons, Uud TURTLE-DOVES. All of tllCSe 

animals vv^ere requifed to be perfect in every part, without 
so much as spot or blemish ; and were all to be offered 
in the day-time. After the Tabernacle was erected, it 
was unlawful to sacrifice in any other place ; and after- 
wards in the Temple. All the sacrifices were salted ; 
and the public ones were the holiest : Levit. ii. 13. 

A BURNT-OFFERING consistcd of a bullock, a male- 
lamb, or kid ; unless the offerer was poor, when a dove, 
or pigeon was offered : Levit. chap. i. The burnt- 
offering was the chief of all the oblations ; and the law 
required one to be offered at all the daily, weekly, 
monthly, or yearly feasts : besides these, nine stated 
occasions on which the law required burnt-offerings, 
many occasional ones were offered : Read also" Levit. vi ^ 
8 — 13 : vii. 8 : xxii. 19 — 25 : Exod. xxviii. xxix. 
Numb. XV. 1 — 16: and xxviii, xxix: Levit. xii. and 
xiv. 15. 

The PEACE-OFFERING was expressive of the offerer's 

thankfulness to God for past favors, or some future ones 

sought, or vows paid : Read attentively the following 

passages: Lev. iii. vii. 11 — 34: xix. 5 — 8: xxiii, 19, 

' 20 : and Deut. xviii. 3. 

The sin-offering differed in its matter according to 
the crime for which it was offered, or to answer the 
ability of the offerer. For the sin of a priest, or for the 
Levites at their consecration, or an occasional sin of the 
whole congregation, it was a bullock : See Exod, xxix. 



418 THE JEWISH OFFERINGS. 

10—14 : Lev. iv. 3—21 : xvi, 6: Numb. viii..l2 : xv. 
24: xxviii : Read also Numb, v, and vi. and Lev. xii. 
xiv. 22: and xv. 14, 15, 29, 30. For tlie occasional 
sin of a private person it was a female-kid, or lamb ; or 
if poor, two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons ; and if 
toopoor to give those, a little flour was accepted. Thus 
we see, in every age, God has ever been* mindful of the 
poor; and requires no more from his creatures than thej^ 
are well able to perform. 

The trespass-offering was different from the sin- 
offering ; but in what that difference consisted it is not 
easy to determine ; but that there was a difference is 
plain, in the case of the leper: See Lev. xiv. 10 — 20. 
The leper's trespass-offering was a he-lamb. The 
trespass-offering was ordered in the very same manner 
of the sin-offering, except in the leper's case : See Lev^ 
chap. V. 

Meat-offerings were not sacrijices, but gifts. 
With all burnt-offerings, and peace-offerings, and the 
sin-ofi^ering, and trespass-offering of the leper, meai-offer-- 
ings ahvays attended ; but whether they accompanied 
all other sin-offerings and trespass-offerings is not certain. 
When meat-offerings were not voluntary, the quantity 
was stated ; it consisted of three omers, or tenth-deals 
of fine flour to a bullock ; two to a ram, and one to a 
lamb, or kid. Half a bin of oil attended the three 
omers, one-tliird the two omers, and one-fouith part the 
one omer, to fry it with. Frankincense was also used, 
and salt added to it. Carefully read the following pas-^ 
sages : Lev. ii. vi. 15—23 : vii. 9, 10, 13, 14 : Numb. 
XV, 1 — 16 : and xviii. 9, 10. 

The drink-offerings were never offered alone, but 
with the meat-ofterings ; and the wine was the same in 
proportion to that of the oil. One part of the wine was 
poured on that part of the meat-offering which was 
burnt, and the other part belonged to the priest : but 
when the whole of the meat-offering was burnt there is 
no doubt but the whole of the wine was also burnt : 
See Numb. xv. 1 — 16. 

A HALF-SHEKEL of money was given, it appears, 
yearly by every adult Jew, for the ransom of his soul : 
Read Exodus xxx. 12 — 16 : and xxxviii. 25 — 28, 



AN INDEX : 

FOR THE TEXTS OF SCRIPTURE TREATED OF. 



Chapter. Verse. Page. 

GENESIS. 
iii. Id 116 



XIX. 

xxiii. 



EXODUS. 

6 

25 



Chapter. 

xlix. 

1. 

V. 



166 
34 



NUiViBERS. 

xxi. 8 198 

DEUTERONOMY. 

iv. 7 224 

vii. 9 210 

vii. 13 bQ 

viii. 5 134 

X. 18 58 

x. 18 62 

xiv. 29 258 

1 SAMUEL. 

ii. 6 76 

2 CHRONICLES. 

xiv. 11 70 

XV. 7 206 

XX. 20 250 

XXX. 9 202 



111. 
\, 

V. 
V. 

xvii. 
xix. 

xxii. 



JX. 
X. 

xii. 

xvi. 

xviii. 

xxiii. 

xxiii. 

xxiv, 

xxxi. 

xxxi. 

xxxii. 

xxxii. 

xxxiv. 

xxxiv. 

XX xvi. 

xxxvii. 

xli. 

xli. 

Jflvi. 

;Klviii. 



JOB. 




17 


180 


18 


136 


20 


66 


26 


20 


9 


280 


26 


174 


26 


184 



PSALMS. 

1 

3 
18 
17 

5 
11 
30 

1 

2 

3,4 

20 

24 

5 

8 

7 
18 

9 

3 

1 

3 

1 
14 



240 

32 

60 

162 

74 

1 

306 

12 

126 

264 

72 

118 

204 

106 

164 

274 

194 

16 

256 

52 

42 

30 



I xxxiv. 
xxxvii. 
xci. 
xci. 
xcii 
xciv. 
ciii. 
cxii. 
cxix. 
cxix. 
cxxi. 
cxxxiii. 
cxxxviii. 
cxl. 
cxlv. 



VLll, 

x. 

X. 

X. 

xi. 

xii. 

xii. 

xii. 

xiv. 

xiv, 

xiv, 

XV. 

xvii. 

XX. 

xxi. 

xxii. 

xxiii. 

xxviii. 

xxviii. 

xxviii. 



Verse, 

15 

15 

22 

12 

11 

3 

3 
14 
12 
18 

3 

1 
105 
165 

5 

1 

6 

13 

18 

PROVERBS. 



Page.\Chapter. 

182xxvi. 

46:xxvii. 

44|xxviii. 

68 xxi. 



100 

286 

50 

132 
130 
132 

82 
236 
234 

26 

22 
252 
272 
186 

98, 



8,9 


242 


23 


160 


12 


114 


17 


212 


24 


14 


28 


278 


31 


124 


17 


260 


7 


38 


20 


254 


21 


40 


23 


266 


26- 


36 


32 


176 


8 


208 


2 


244 


22 


262 


23 


238 


4 


28 


17,18 


268 


13 


200 


14 


222 


26 

T x^ c< T A arr\ 


218 


LESlAST 

26 


ES. 
120 


18 


112 


12 


220 


ISAIAH. 




18 


84 


19 


9 


4 


292 


10 


282 


3 


108 


4 


214 



xxi. 

xxxii. 

xl. 

xli. 

xlii. 

xiv. 

xiv. 

xiv. 

xlvi. 

xlix. 

xlix. 

xlix. 

xlix. 

liii, 

liii. 

Iv. ^ 

Iviii. 

Ixiii. 

Ixvi. 

i. 

XV. 
XV. 

xxiii. 
xxxi. 



Verse. 

19 
3 
16 
19 
24 
17 



13 

3 
22 
24 
25 

4 

6 

9 
13 
15 

5 
11 

1 
11 
16 

5 

JEREMIAH. 

7,8 
11 
19 

6 

9 



Page. 
138 
294 
196 
270 
288 
168 
308 
146 
158 



154 

80 

54 

284 

156 

170 

48 

90 

78 

230 

122 

94 

276 

246 

64 

248 

296 

96 



LAMENTATIONS. 



xxxiv. 
xxxvi. 

vii. 
vni. 
vii. 
xii. 

xiii. 
xiv. 
xiv. 
xiv 



26 
31 

EZEKIEL. 

43 
23 
26 

DANIEL. 
14 

18 

27 

3 

HOSEA. 
14 

4 

5 

8 

JOEL. 

27 
16 

AMOS. 
4 

OBADIAH. 
17 



216 
150 

104 
302 
102 

300 

192 
298 
190 

178 

88 

128 

110 

140 
172 

228 

304 



420 



INDEX FOR THE TEXTS. 



Chapter. Verse. Page. 

MICAH. 

vii. 18 144 
ZEPHANIAH. 

iii. 17 142 

ZECHARIAH. 

ii. 5 24 

ii. 8 148 

iii. 4 18 

xiii. 1 92 

xiii. 9 226 

MALACHI. 

iii, 3 290 

iv. 2 152 

MATTHEW. 

iv. 4 67 

V. 3 275 

V. 4 87 

V. 5 35 

V. 6 231 

V. 7 261 

V. 8 265 

V. 9 255 

vi. * H 263 

vi. 26 17 

vi. 30 19 

vi. 33 32 

vii. 21 207 

viii. 11 283 

ix. 13 105 

X. 22 219 

X. 29 21 

X, 32 201 

X. 41 251 

xi. 28 85 

xii. 31 89 

xvi. 18 295 

xviii. 20 109 

xxiv. 35 307 

XXV. 21 189 

XXV. 23 267 

XXV. 34 193 

XX viii. 20 b6 

MARK. 

ix. 23 197 

xvi. 15,16 127 

LUKE. 

vi. 22 277 

vii, 60 169 

XV. 21,22 205 

xviii. 14 273 

XX. ^^ 185 

xxi 15 65 

xxiii 43 181 

JOHN, 

i. 16 155 

iii, 16 153 

vi. 45 289 

vii. 17 107 

xii. 26 29 

xii. 32 285 

xii. 46 199 

-xiii. 35 253 

xiv. 2 187 



Chapter. Verse. Page. 



xiv. 


18 


151 


xiv. 


21 


213 


xiv. 


23 


141 


XV. 


5 


129 


XV. 


7 


225 


xvi. 


13 


123 


xvi. 


22 


175 


xvi, 


33 


27 


xvii. 


3 


233 


xvii. 


15 


41 


xvii. 


21 
ACTS. 


293 


ii. 


39 


37 


iii. 


19 


203 


iv. 


12 


91 


X. 


35 


221 


X. 


38 


75 


xiii. 


39 


79 


xviii. 


10 
ROMANS. 


71 


V. 


1 


81 


V. 


3,4 


135 


viii. 


15 


163 


viii. 


24 


217 


viii. 


31 


147 


viii. 


32 


13 


viii. 


37 


49 


ix. 


15 


14^ 


X. 


17 


235 


xi. 


2 


303 


xiv. 


22 


209 


xvi. 


20 


297 



1 CORINTHIANS 

i. 30 121 

ii. 12 161 

vi, 11 101 

viii. 3 211 

x. 13 45 

xii. 8 125 

XV. bb 179 

2 CORINTHIANS 
i. 4 171 
i, 10 215 
iii. 16 305 
iv. 17 137 
V. " 8 183 
vi. 17, 18 241 
X, 4 69 
xii, 9 43 

GALATIANS. 

i. 4 115 

iii. 13 157 

iii, 26 97 

V. 16 11] 

vi. 6 25^ 

vi. 9 281 

EPHESIANS. 

ii. 7 93 

ii. 18 99 

V. 25 159 

vi. 2, 3 243 

PHILIPPIANS. 

i. 6 133 



Chapter, Verse. 1 


'age. 


v. 


19 
COLOSSIANS 


59 


iii. 


4 


191 


iii. 


22 


245 


1 THESSALONIANS, 


iv. 


17 


195 


2 THESSALONIANS. 


iii. 


3 


39 




1 TIMOTHY. 




ii. 


15 


57 


iv. 


8 


15 


iv. 


16 


247 


vi. 


6 
2 TLMOTHY. 


269 


i. 


7 


119 


i. 


12 


177 




TITUS. 




iii. 


5 
HEBREWS. 


103 


i. 


14 


165 


ii. 


15 


77 


vi. 


19 


173 


viii. 


12 


83 


X. 


23 


309 


xi. 


6 


229 


xi. 


16 


139 


xiii 


5 


25 


xiii. 


16 
JAMES. 


257 


i. 


5 


31 


i. 


9 


61 


i. 


12 


113 


i. 


27 


63 


ly. 


6 


131 


iv. 


7 


117 


iv. 


8 


227 


V. 


15 
1 PETER. 


51 


i. 


7 


53 


ii. 


2 - 


237 


ii. 


20 


279 


iii. 


4 


271 


iii. 


10 


239 


iv. 


14 


73 


V. 


4 


249 


V. 


7 
2 PETER. 


149 


ii. 


9 
1 JOHN. 


47 


ii. 


17 


11 


iii. 


1 


95 


.V. 


10 


143 



REVELATION. 

6 167 

17, 18 23 

15 301 

xvi. 15 223 

xix. 8 291 

xix. 20 299 

xxi. 23 287 

xxii, 21 301 



;l 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 

Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: Wiay 2005 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

1 1 1 Thomson Park Dnve 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724)779-2111 



